As an admirer of Japanese culture, I'm excited to share an inspiring concept that has influenced countless Japanese artists and could spark your own creative journey: the art of Shin-Gyo-So (真-行-草). While this tripartite concept is typically linked to calligraphy, its impact extends far beyond ink-based creations. You can see its influence across various Japanese arts, including Ikebana (flower arrangement), Noh theatre, poetry, and more.
Shin-Gyo-So embodies a harmonious balance between three distinct interpretations of the same core. Shin represents a formal, structured style; Gyo captures a semi-formal, balanced, and intermediary approach; while So conveys a more fluid, informal expression.
To better visualize this concept, I've created a quick example featuring the same character 尚 (which is in my name) written in all three styles (see picture).
However, for me, Shin-Gyo-So alone is not enough. I often find myself venturing into what I call the "Jo" territories. Jo, a concept I've devised for myself, signifies the stage beyond So: a phase where shape becomes irrelevant, and emotions take command of the brush. In essence, it's an abstraction derived from my feelings and the original meaning of a character.
Creatives across various disciplines can draw inspiration from Shin-Gyo-So by integrating a similar balance into their work. The fusion of the formal, the balanced, and the fluid can result in captivating and harmonious pieces, whether in design, writing, or any other art form. Embrace the spirit of Shin-Gyo-So, and let your creativity soar!
Oh, and one more thing! There's also the AI style, but Midjourney appears to be still grappling with calligraphy!
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