Yuka Takushima
Classes and Workshops
I teach Japanese Sumi ink drawing, Origami paper folding and cutting, beads jewelry making and more.
Japanese through art
In this class, students use Sumi ink and watercolor. Sumi ink is traditionally used for Japanese calligraphy and it's made from soot of pinewood oil. Students use traditional pigment, drawing Anime self-portrait, Hokusai Great Wave, Asian Zodiac animals, etc. Adding watercolor to it, makes "East and West meet style".
Origami and Illustration
Origami is magical! A square sheet of paper transforms into animals, geometric forms, miniature furniture and buildings, and many more. In Origami and illustration class, students make up their own story using Origami figure that they made.
Folding Origami papers helps children grow spatial intelligence and hand motor skills. I encourage them to make their own Origami paper in different sizes, from tiny to gigantic, which excites them to see interesting outcomes.
Paper craft making, Chigiri-e, Origami, Kirigami and more
Tearing, cutting, twisting, folding—paper is an incredibly versatile material that can be transformed into beautiful crafts. Growing up in Japan, I learned the techniques of traditional Japanese paper crafting from a young age. In Japan, people naturally understand the benefits of engaging the hands and fingers, which activate motor functions and stimulate the brain to maintain a healthy mind.
I regularly lead kids' workshops at Rutgers Landscape and Nursery. I also apply these techniques in play therapy as a Developmental Client Coach at Positive Development.