Over the past two months, I had the joy of hosting Suminagashi workshops for adults, and for the first time in Hamburg, preteens. While the technique is the same, working with these two groups was a completely different experience.
For the adults, the workshop was an opportunity to slow down, relax and be like a kid again during the process. Many came in carrying the weight of a long week, but as the ink started dancing on the water, you could feel the whole room relax. It wasn’t about creating a "perfect" piece of art, but about letting go of control and giving themselves permission to just play.
The preteens brought pure energy and curiosity. What I love most about working with kids or preteens is their openness—they embrace the present moment without overthinking. They didn’t come to learn an art form or to create something “perfect”—there’s no right or wrong in Suminagashi anyway. They came to be free, to explore, and to enjoy the moment. Watching them dive in without overthinking was the most beautiful creation of all.
Every time I host these workshops, I'm left feeling so grateful. It’s really a privilege to witness how each tray of water becomes a reflection of the unique energy and story each person brings. Whether it’s adults seeking a quiet breather or preteens brimming with curiosity, watching the ink float and flow on the water isn't just about making patterns—it becomes a quiet, shared space for all of us to pause, reflect, and get a little closer to ourselves.
I was especially touched by feedback I received from an adult participant, Evgeniya:
Her words mean so much to me, as they reflect the heart of what I aim to offer in each workshop—a safe, welcoming space for individuals to explore, create, and reconnect with themselves. As I continue to design and host workshops for different groups, I’m more committed than ever to creating experiences that go beyond art.
