Why I Chose the Title 'Word Producer' Over Artist or Calligrapher
For quite some time, I’ve felt resistance to calling myself an “artist.” The word suggests a relentless pursuit of newness, innovation, and breaking boundaries—things that don’t quite align with my nature. Artists often embrace the unexpected, enjoy taking bold leaps, and challenge conventional thinking, but I don’t see myself in that way.
At first, I also felt hesitant to call myself a “calligrapher.” I did practice calligraphy as a child, but not in a formal way—my grandmother taught me, and it was never within the mainstream tradition. I didn’t study it in an institution or train within a formal calligraphy group.
Finding My Identity: Japanese Aesthetics and the Power of Words
What I do have is a deep appreciation for Japanese aesthetics, cultural sensibilities, minimalism, and the nuanced beauty of the Japanese language—a language rich in subtlety and unspoken meaning.
So, instead of trying to fit into existing labels, I have chosen my own:
Word Producer.
What Does It Mean to Be a Word Producer?
The title reflects what I do—bringing words to life through ink and space, producing them in front of people’s eyes.
The title “Word Producer” carries a nuance similar to a film producer—someone who brings ideas to the forefront in different forms and expressions. In many ways, that is exactly what I do. My work is not just about creating calligraphy; it’s about evoking emotion, contemplation, and meaning for those who experience it.
How Do You Define Yourself?
How about you? Have you ever struggled to define yourself? Finding the right words to describe who we are and what we do can be challenging, but it’s also an opportunity to align with our true essence. I’d love to hear your thoughts—how do you define yourself?
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