Koh Do: "Listening to Incense" and Writing Poetry

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About

Experience the Japanese traditional creative writing process that uses sensory prompts. Listen to incense and then write a poem. Welcome to Koh Do

In a small group setting participants will sample the same, smokeless, incense fragrance several times. All the incense fragrances used are from natural resins, oils and wood. After some silent contemplation they will write a haiku or small poem in response.

This activity can be repeated many times in a party or a formal writing session. As a finale the poems can be shared with the other participants and perhaps compiled into a small collection based on the incense fragrance that inspired the poems

This creative activity is unique in that it partners the sense of smell and creative writing.

I hope this experience stimulates your imagination and broadens your olfactory palate.

Links

• Read more artsandnature.ca
• Read more en.wikipedia.org

Organizer

Gail Hall

Proud to be a coast to coast Canadian, Gail Hall is a musician, artist, author, field naturalist and teacher. As a life long learner and explorer, she continues a multi disciplined and multi media practice.

Much of Gail's work is influenced by Japanese art, music, traditions and aesthetics.

The traditional Japanese art of " Listening to Incense " increases not only our aromatic palate but also stimulates our imagination for writing or painting. It's the crossovers in the arts that she strives to highlight for her students and audiences.

Each season stimulates creative responses, ideas and activities. Her year is spent in the natural world, in the art studio, in teaching spaces , at her piano keyboard and at the writing table. For Gail, sharing the fruits of her research and labour with others, makes everything perfect!