International Chinese Calligraphy and Ink Painting Society

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Sumi Society ~ ICCPS

Mission: Sharing the passion of sumi-e & calligraphy around the world without distinguishing between styles & backgrounds. Under the direction of master sumi-e painter, Ransui Yakata in Tokyo Japan, the institute seeks to form a community of independent sumi-e painters with often different styles, but infused with the same passion.

Purpose: This community of artists can help show that this unique artform can often be interpreted with sensibilities and styles that are (quite) different. The artists associated with this initiative seek not only to promote their own artwork, but also sumi-e art in general, which deseves its own place among the major pictoral works of the world. More than just an art form, sumi-e is a way of being, thinking, and living. Our society is a way of demonstrating these concepts.

Society Information

Sumi-e by Ransui Yakata

Sumi-e by Ransui YakataSociety Founder: Mr. Ransui Yakata, Tokyo Japan

Goal: In addition, one of the society's primary goals is to assist in spreading the beauty and understanding of this unique artform and culture by exhibiting this exquisite art on an international level. Members' artwork will be shown all over the world.

Society Activities:
1. Quarterly digital newsletter featuring the activities and achievements of the society branch members.
2. Intermittent YouTube Exhibitions via Video.
3. Projected international art exhibitions dependent on sufficient support from membership base.
4. International exchanges between members of the society branches for study and fellowship.

Everybody is welcome to join this fast growing sumi society; professionals, amateurs, art connoisseurs, etc.The most important thing is that the person should be ready to actively participate in the society.

Benifits of Membership

Society Lettering~ Free digital Newsletter in English (4 times a year).
~ The right to join exhibitions internationally.
~ Free submission of artworks for the Newsletter.
~ Submit articles for the bulletin.
~ Occasional Newsletter painting lessons from Master Ransui
~ World exposure in member art YouTube videos
~ Be part of a growing Sumi community of like-minded artists.

Qualifications for Joining the Sumi Society

Sumi-e by Ransui Yakata

Sumi-e by Ransui YakataThe applicant is invited and formally admitted by the founder after the person is nominated by other executives (directors) in the society.

The invited artist must be a professional or have continued their own artistic activities related to Sumi Art, such as, sumi-e or calligraphy, continuously for 3 years.

The applicant's art should be of pure quality.

The professional artist applicant should already have been recognized by awards and/or have been successful in exhibits.

Applicants who are non-professional artists can be admitted as a regular member.

Annual membership dues are (2500 yen or approx. $33 US via PayPal).
Annual Membership is from January to December = 2500 yen
Apply between July and August = 2000 yen (approx. $26 US) until December
No new members between October and December.

International Director Contacts

Photo of Mr. Ransui Yakata Teaching

Ransui Yakata- Society Founder: Mr. Ransui Yakata, Tokyo Japan
Head Office

China: ICCPS China LiaoNing Branch
- Director Mr. Zi-Yun

- Director France:
Mr. Gregory Cortecero
Branch

- Director The Netherlands / Belgium:
Mr. Afaq Saleem
Branch

- Director North America:
Ms. Casey Shannon
Branch

- Director Germany:
Ms. Natsuko Horinouchi
Branch

- Director Australia
Mr. Stephen Carrol

Ms. Alexandra Vaselia
- Director Russia

North American Society Branch page for application information and members.
Scroll down for a North American Branch Current Member List! The North American Branch is extremely diverse in culture, eclectic in style, and wonderfully talented.

Want to apply to the North American Branch?

It's easy!

Join Us
Want to Join the Sumi Society?

Interested in this fast growing society?
For more information about this Sumi Society please contact me, go to:North American Branch Office

Application Process:

1. Contact Casey
2. Obtain an Application Form
3. Submit Sample Artwork ~ Calligraphy or Sumi-e
4. Pay your society dues ~ Thank-you!

After completion of all parts of the application process and acceptance into the Sumi Society, the Tokyo office will send you your membership card. You will be a member in good standing and you can participate in any or all society activities.

North American Branch Members

Manuel Garcia de la Cruz

Sumi-e by MGCruzThis beautiful sumi-e is called 'Winter Sumi-e' and was created by Manuel Garcia de la Cruz (MGCruz). Manuel lives in Alicante, Spain. Please click on the image to go directly to his website.

Marc Bauer-Maison

Sumi-e by MarcThis stunning sumi-e nude is called 'Vision' and was created by Marc Bauer-Maison. Marc was born in Paris, France and currently lives in Ontario, Canada. Marc is the recipient of the 5th ICCPS Director's Award in China! Please click on the image to go directly to his website.

Tai Oi Yee

Sumi-e by Tai Oi YeeThis sweet sumi-e is called 'Wish Upon The Sky' and was created by Tai Oi Yee. Oi Yee was born in Hong Kong, China and currently lives in Ontario, Canada. Please click on the image to go directly to her site.

Casey Shannon

Sumi-e by CaseyThis contemporary sumi-e is called 'Bronze Autumn' and was created by Casey Shannon. Casey lives in Carmel, California USA. I am honored to serve as the Director of the North American branch of ICCPS. Please click on the image to go directly to my website.

Nicolas Emilio Melfi Nemina

Sumi-e by NicoThis lovely sumi-e is called 'Bamboo' and was created by Nicolas Emilio Melfi Nemina. Nico lives in Rio Negro, Argentina. Nico is an engineer by profession and creates sumi-e as a hobby. He does not currently have a personal art website.

Kalpa MacLachlan

Sumi-e by KalpaThis captivating sumi-e is called 'Roeken' (rooks) and was created by Kalpa MacLachlan. Kalpa lives in Groningen, Holland. Kalpa is the recipient of the 7th ICCPS Director Award in China! Please click on the image to go directly to her art website.

Debra Self

This calligraphy is called "Mystery Undone". Debra Self lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico and Los Angeles, CA. She has been a Chinese brush painter for twelve years and creates sumi-e cats and does calligraphy. Click on the image to go directly to her website..

Nona Spitzer

This sumi-e of flowers and bamboo was created by Nona Spitzer. Nona lives in Woodland Hills, Ca. USA. Nona does not currently have a personal art website.

William Preston

Sumi-e by WilliamThis abstract landscape sumi-e of New Mexico was created by William Preston. William lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico USA. Please click on the image to enter his art website.

For North American Branch membership information, please Click Here

2012 North American Branch Members

ICCPS

These are the unique and talented members of the North American Branch of ICCPS - International Chinese Calligraphy and Ink Painting Society. This is a group of multi-talented sumi artists. I hope you enjoy your 'journey into art' with us. Turn on your sound for beautiful music. Time: 5:14
powered by Youtube

Talk to us about Sumi-e!

Anyone can comment..............

Like what you see? Please tell us about it.
We want to hear from you!

  • Alejandro Angio May 15, 2012 @ 10:13 am | delete
    Hello, my name is Alejandro Angio. I am a Sumi-e painter, japanese wood block printer(" Moku Hanga"). I live in Vermont , USA. How can I join your Society? How can I submit my art work? Pease let me know how can I send you images of my work. Currently I am teaching classes of Sumi-e and Moku Hanga in Vermont and having a solo Sumi -e show at Morrisville , Vermont, nex March of 2013.Thank you for time , and I be waiting for your response.. jefenordico@rocketmail.com
  • CaseyShannonStudio May 16, 2012 @ 6:19 pm | delete
    Alejandro, I have emailed you the society application form and materials to your email address you give here. Twice. Casey

Ransui Yakata

Founder of ICCPS

Ransui YakataMr. Ransui Yakata is a master calligrapher and sumi-e artist residing in Tokyo, Japan. Ransui is the founder of "The International Chinese Calligraphy and Ink Painting Society' (ICCPS). It is his passion to spread the beauty of this artform around the world. Please click on the photo image to read a very interesting article and interview about Ransui. Source: Japan Visitor 2008 Read Article

Ransui Yakata

Suiboku

Watch Ransui Painting Suiboku!
Suiboku is a style of Japanese water painting. It has a long history, with its roots in China, and is closely associated with the art of calligraphy. One of water painting's major differences from oil painting is the spontaneity of execution it requires. Once a brush stroke has been made, it cannot be changed or disguised. What is painted on the spur of the moment is instantly frozen in time for posterity. Successful water painting therefore demands consummate skill - the honing over the years of unerring painting techniques, skills, instincts, and total moment-by-moment concentration.
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International Exhibitions of ICCPS - 2012

Parc de Oriental Maulévrier, France

This is the largest Japanese park in Europe. 21 calligraphy and sumi-e artists from 10 countries will display their artwork .August 24 to September 2, 2012 The exhibit is under the direction of Mr. Gregory Cortecero, French Branch Director of ICCPS.

Participants from North America Branch:
Manuel Garcia de la Cruz, Spain
Marc Bauer-Maison, Canada
Tai Oi Yee, Canada
Kalpa MacLachlan, Holland
William Preston, USA
Casey Shannon, USA

Parc Oriental de Maulévrier

International Exhibition in France

View this stunning video of the Oriental Park and the 21 calligraphy and sumi-e artists from 10 different countries that will be participating in this wonderful event. These artists are multi-talented and have varying styles but posses the same passion for their art. Turn on your sound for beautiful music. Time: 8:36
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Tokyo Exhibit 2012

Art Galley Dogenzaka at Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Tokyo Art Exhibition

Dates: 21st May - 27th May - 2012
Place: Art Galley Dogenzaka at Shibuya-ku, Tokyo.
Click on the flyer to visit the Gallery.

Exhibit by Invitation Only!
I am honored to be invited to exhibit my work at this prestigious exhibit in Tokyo, Japan. The exhibit will include sumi-e from Ransui Yakata's art institute, as well as, sumi-e from the directors of the ICCPS branches worldwide. (China, Japan, Russia, Germany, France, Holland, North America, Australia)

Casey Shannon
Director of North American Branch ICCPS
International Calligraphy and Ink Painting Society

Tokyo 2012 Exhibit Photo

ICCPS - International Exhibit

Art Galley Dogenzaka at Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Many artists participated in this prestigious event. We had many visitors daily to the gallery to view the stunning calligraphy and sumi-e scrolls.

Tokyo, Japan Held in 2011

Tokyo Poster

Tokyo, Japan 2011

Tokyo Sumi ExhibitionShibuya Tokyo Chinese Calligraphy and Ink Painting Exhibition under the direction of Mr. Ransui Yakata.

Place: Tokyo, Shibuya, JAPAN Garallery Dou-gen ZAKA

This wonderful art exhibition was held the first 5 days of June 2011

Memorial Special Exhibition

France

Descartes, France Exhibit held in August 2011

France Flyer

Members of ICCPS exhibited and sold their Sumi-e and Calligraphy.
Dates: August 20 - 21 2011

Municipal Cultural Center of Descartes (opposite the town hall)
Time: 10am to 6pm

Exhibit under the direction of Mr. Gregory Cortecero
ICCPS French Branch Director

Photograph from Descartes Exhibit

Here is a photograph from the Descartes, France exhibit showing some of the work displayed. Descartes is in Indre-et-Loire in the Loire Valley region of France. Descartes is a quaint and charming village made famous by the well known philosopher Rene Descartes.

China

China Exibition 2011

China Poster

We are pleased to announce the ICCPS exhibition at the Museum of AnShan City, LiaoNing province, China from Sep 19, 2011 to Oct 3, 2011. This exhibition is supported by the administration bureau of AnShan City, LiaoNing province, China LiaoNing Artist Association, and ICCPS China LiaoNing branch. Top professional artists' in China will join the event, and It will therefore be one of the biggest and the most important exhibitions in ICCPS's history of events.

North American Branch Participants:
1. Marc Bauer-Maison - Awarded 5th ICCPS Director Award
2. Kalpa MacLaclan - Awarded ICCPS 7th Director Award
3. Tai Oi Yee
4. Casey Shannon

International Exhibition in China

September 19, to October 3, 2011

Observations from Ransui Yakata:

"We had a lot of visitors and not only many Chinese artists but also other non-Chinese artists including ICCPS members from all our branches.

I was so happy to look around and see many various Sumi-e and Calligraphic art which is in high-leveled status qualities. This exhibition proved that we are always 'one' to help each other and show our original Sumi-e and by admiring our different skills and expression. This was a real pleasure for me to get to know that we are one and are having our international exchange". ~ Ransui Y

Chinese Art Suppliers

Art SuppliesI have found these art suppliers of Chinese tools and equipment useful. Maybe you will also.

Oriental Art Supply
Silver Dragon Studio
Chinese Seal Chops from Char4u
Chopa
Yasutomo
Acorn Planet Sumi-e Materials

Sumi-e Learning Books

If you are interested in learning to do sumi-e, try these books from Amazon.
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Calligraphy Resources

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Flickr Photos

Sumi-e and Calligraphy

Here are some wonderful photos of sumi-e and Calligraphy!
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