Changing form, changing shape, living freely.
“Protean” (変幻自在, hengen-jizai)
―― these four characters represent a way of life that is as flexible as water, yet never loses its essence.
＼ 岩﨑翔凛のSTORESはこちら！ ／
Ink Dancing in the Realm of Freedom
Jet-black characters arranged as if dancing across the canvas.
The brushwork resembles clouds changing shape as they ride the wind.
What calligrapher Shourin Iwasaki has carved onto paper is not merely characters.
It is the embodiment of a spirit that does not fear change, but rather embraces it.
“変幻自在” (Protean) ―― pronounced “hengen-jizai.”
To freely transform one’s appearance and form.
It signifies the adaptability to respond flexibly to situations and demonstrate strength in any environment.
This phrase, long spoken of as the mystical power possessed by dragons and immortals, may represent one of the most essential qualities for those of us living in the modern age.
Change Itself is the Essence of Life
The world is in constant flux.
Technological innovation, transformation of social structures, diversification of values―― an era where yesterday’s common sense becomes today’s nonsense.
What is required in such times is the flexibility to not cling to a single form.
Like “Protean,” there are many words that express the aesthetics of change.
“Rinki-ōhen” (臨機応変) means responding appropriately to circumstances.
“Shichihenge” (七変化) describes the state of changing appearance one after another.
“Senpen-banka” (千変万化) signifies continuous, endless transformation.
Common to all of these is the wisdom to accept change and convert it into strength.
Water changes form according to its container.
It weaves between rocks, flows through valleys, sometimes ascends to heaven as clouds, and returns to earth as rain.
While its essence remains H₂O, it transforms into every possible shape.
This is the secret of being “Protean”―― a way of living where forms may change, but one’s core self is never lost.
Flowing Beauty Dwelling in the Brush
When viewing Shourin Iwasaki’s “Protean,” one senses a dynamism as if the characters themselves are mid-transformation.
The character “変” (hen) is powerful yet light.
“幻” (gen) is ephemeral while radiating a solid presence.
And the two characters “自在” (jizai)―― particularly the final stroke of “在” (zai) possesses a delicacy that seems to dissolve into space.
The charm of this work lies in how the four characters, while appearing disparate, maintain perfect harmony.
Each possesses a different expression, yet together they construct a unified worldview.
This visually expresses the very meaning of “Protean.”
The gradations of ink, the strength and gentleness of the brush, the composition of negative space―― everything appears calculated while simultaneously improvised.
The breath of the instant when the calligrapher moved his brush, the sensation of that moment, is fixed directly onto paper.
Calligraphy is not an art of confinement to forms.
Shourin Iwasaki’s brush embodies a free spirit that respects tradition yet is never imprisoned by the past.
This is the “Protean” attitude toward creation itself.
Bringing Flexibility as a Weapon into Your Life
In our rapidly changing modern society, we face unexpected events daily.
Projects that don’t go according to plan, sudden environmental changes, unanticipated relationship dynamics――.
In such moments, this calligraphy of “Protean” speaks to you:
“There’s no need to fixate on one method,”
“There’s surely another path,”
“Think flexibly.”
Displayed in your study or living room, it becomes a compass supporting daily decisions.
Hung in an office, it becomes a presence encouraging flexible thinking throughout the team.
Or as a gift for someone dear facing a life transition―― a friend changing careers, family heading to new horizons, a junior colleague beginning a new challenge.
The word “Protean” serves as encouragement for all who fear change.
An Invitation into the World of Calligraphy
Shourin Iwasaki’s calligraphic works are available at his online shop on STORES (https://shourin-iwasaki.stores.jp/).
In addition to “Protean,” you’ll find various calligraphic works that resonate with the hearts of those living in the modern era.
A single piece of calligraphy may become a “window” that expands your perspective.
There you’ll find hints for liberating yourself from fixed ideas and living each day with freer thinking.
＼ 岩﨑翔凛のSTORESはこちら！ ／
The World Created by Calligrapher Shourin Iwasaki
On Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/iwasaki_shourin/), he shares daily updates about his creative process, new works, and the philosophy embedded in his calligraphy.
The tension and release of the moment when brush touches paper, the quiet power emanating from completed works――.
By following him, “hints for living flexibly” will arrive in your timeline.
You’ll surely discover anew how the traditional art of calligraphy is so contemporary, so practical, and how it enriches our lives.
Protean―― With these words in your heart, freely, supplely.
Calligrapher Shourin Iwasaki continues to create works that resonate with modern sensibilities while carrying on the thousand-year tradition of calligraphy.
Your own “Protean” life begins with a single piece of calligraphy.
＼ 岩﨑翔凛のInstagramはこちら！ ／
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