My ink drawing practice based on the Japanese Ikigai system draws from Ken Mogi’s book, which posits five core tenets, or pillars, of Ikigai. One of these is framed as «presence in the moment.» The book was published in 2018, a time when the phrase «being here and now» was already rather overused. It is quite difficult to explain this concept with words, but in practice—more precisely, during the process of ink drawing on ceramic plates—this state can be felt internally.
The ink lays down beautifully on a smooth surface. When the ink mixes with water, it comes alive and begins to move. You have one palette, and practice lasts all day. You paint a masterpiece, admire its beauty, photograph it, and then wash the ink off the palette with water. The same thing happens with a non-masterpiece. It’s hard not to remember the moment you need to wash away a successful design. But the way that design emerged, transformed, and lived—something only you witnessed—that is your reward.
You were there, this drawing existed, and the photograph confirms it. It’s also an ecological presence in that moment. If the ink hadn’t washed away, we would have ended up with a mountain of dishes that couldn’t fit into this brief review of the two-month course.
If the author wishes to obtain a run of plates to complete the European «Gestalt, ” they can commission digital printing.
«Ikigai with Ink» Workshop Curator Onkirosu. Students drew and shared moments on plates: Purevdavaa Enkhjin, Gimp Alena, Alisova Maria, Galiaskarova Mila, Levitskaya Eva, Meshkova Katya, Gromozdina Margo, Filippova Nina, Gerlee Nomin-Erdene
