The meaning of “cold” – Calligraphy on winter days and the 2kg weight gain

Hello, I’m calligrapher Shourin Iwasaki.

It’s been really cold lately.
My hands get numb when I hold my brush in the morning,
and it’s that time of year when I spend longer than usual working on ink.

Actually, I had been eating only two meals a day for about six months.
It was a habit I started for the sake of my health and to improve my concentration.
However, I recently heard that “winter is actually a season when it’s difficult to gain weight
because the cold weather causes you to burn more calories in an attempt to raise your body temperature.”

“I see! In that case, I guess it’s okay to eat three solid meals a day, especially in the winter.”

With that in mind, I’ve recently started eating proper meals for breakfast, lunch,
and dinner, since it’s the season when warm food tastes great.

However…I was shocked when I stepped on the scale. I had gained a solid 2kg.

Is it a lie that you don’t gain weight in winter?

It seems that the key is to find a balance between
“increasing calorie consumption” and “increasing the amount of food eaten.”
If you eat hot pot, oden, and ramen without hesitation just because it’s cold,
the results are bound to be great…

＼　岩﨑翔凛のSTORESはこちら！　／

Today’s work: “Cold”

Well, the piece I’d like to introduce today, “Cold,” was written while I was living my daily life in winter.

It’s the very essence of the current season.
These characters, written with powerful brushstrokes, convey the harshness of winter,
as well as the dignified beauty that lies within.

The brush strokes flowing downward from the “宀” (ukanmuri) at the top resemble cold air descending.
The brush strokes in the “ice” section at the bottom express the coldness and tension of winter.

The red seal on the bottom left adds warmth to the entire monochrome piece,
creating an accent that evokes the presence of human warmth even in the cold of winter.

In the art of calligraphy, the heart is expressed in every moment,
from the breath to the movement of the brush to the shade of the ink.
When I wrote “Cold,” what was in my mind was the beauty of accepting the harshness of winter and living within it.

In a way, the fact that I gained 2kg in weight may be proof that I’m surviving the winter.
It’s precisely because it’s cold that warm food tastes so good, and I embrace that joy.
When spring comes, I can tone it up again.

Bringing the charm of calligraphy closer to you

I create works like this every day,
hoping to share the charm of calligraphy with as many people as possible.

On Instagram, I post pictures of the creative process,
finished works, and even little stories from my everyday life like today.
Whether you’re interested in calligraphy or not, please take a look.

I would like to create a warm community where you can almost smell the scent of ink.

I would be happy if you would follow me.
Let’s enjoy the world of calligraphy together.

＼　岩﨑翔凛のInstagramはこちら！　／

Shourin Iwasaki’s official online shop

Calligrapher Shourin Iwasaki’s official online shop is now open on STORES!

Purchase your favorite calligraphy piece in your own hands.
Perfect as a gift, a present for yourself,
or a message of encouragement for a loved one.
Calligraphy conveys feelings beyond words.

Shourin Iwasaki Online Shop
Check it out now⇩

＼　岩﨑翔凛のSTORESはこちら！　／