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GALLERY 4 Calligraphy, ei-shodou, shodo, paper & boxes In 1990, Ranna® invented a method of writing English in Japanese calligraphic method. A unique visual invention, Ranna's ei-shodou (ei-shodo) or alphabet calligraphy work brings together shuji and shodou (Japanese calligraphy), the Roman alphabet, English language, crushed paper, and translucent treatments full of prismatic light.

EXHIBITION VIEW: Essence of Memory: Unspoken Territory and the Kami Way, Ranna®, Pinnacles Gallery, Australia, 1998.	Sabetsu, Ranna ®, mixed media and crushed paper on dessin canson, ei-shodou (ei-shodo) art, 60"x30", 1997/98.
In 1990, as a result of studies in Japanese ink painting (sumi-e) and Japanese calligraphy (a.k.a. shuji or shodou / shodo) during three years' residence in Tokyo, Ranna devised a method of using Japanese calligraphic techniques to write English script like Oriental art calligraphy. Originally inscribed on her sumi-e works, this innovation has evolved into a highly sophisticated visual form. Ranna sometimes relies exclusively on the calligraphy as her image, and at other times she combines calligraphic inscriptions and sculptural echoes of these in crushed paper, treated with luminous media.	Self Surrender, Ranna ®, gold effect, ink, on crystal organza, ei-shodou (ei-shodo) art, 100cm x 70cm, 1997/98. 6 pieces available.
Ranna has termed her method ei-shodou (ei-shodo) art, and more recently roma-dou. The terms ei-shodou and roma-dou are in fact a description of her method and a pun. Ei is the Japanese prefix meaning both English and excellent. Roma is the Japanese prefix for the English alphabet. Shodou is a Japanese word for calligraphy. Blending these, the artist is telling us that she has by-passed the less accessible terrain of traditional Japanese scripts by incorporating English (and on occasion, other European languages) into her work. CLICK ON IMAGE BELOW FOR EI-SHODOU BOX PIECES CREATED AFTER RELOCATION TO THE UNITED STATES (in Feb 1998). Ou-kami Yume (III) (Wolf Dreaming III), Ranna ®, mixed media on box, ei-shodou (ei-shodo) art, 60"x48"x6" variable, 1998.

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Catalogue, Washington D.C. 2000

Ranna's work since 2000 is at www.ranna.com

Site: Winchester Art Management.