Etegami: A Japanese practice of looking, painting and sharing

A morning of conversation, creativity, connection through Etegami 🎨

What happens when you take a little time to really look at something ordinary?
A flower. A piece of fruit. Your favourite mug. A leaf you picked up on your hike.

Etegami (pronounced eh-teh-gah-mee) is a Japanese practice of hand-painting simple everyday things, then adding a few handwritten words — a thought, a small observation, a greeting, or simply whatever comes to mind.

Think of it as an analog version of Instagram: one image, one caption, one captured moment. But instead of scrolling past, you spend time looking. Instead of collecting likes, you make something with your own hands that can be shared, mailed, or simply kept.
And you don't need to be an artist.

In fact, Etegami is not about producing a beautiful or technically perfect painting. It is about looking closely, noticing the small details, and allowing your own hand and words to capture what you see. A little imperfection is part of the charm.

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A morning of doing it together
This is not an art class or a formal workshop. I'll introduce the basic idea and principles of Etegami, and then we'll simply sit together and paint.

I'll provide the Japanese brushes, watercolours, washi paper and Etegami cards. You can choose what you want to paint, experiment with the materials, and create a few cards at your own pace.

There is no previous drawing or painting experience needed — and no expectation to produce anything “good.”

Just come with curiosity, an open mind, and perhaps an appreciation for the pleasure of making something by hand.

We'll spend a couple of hours looking, painting, writing and sharing — together.

You may leave with a few handmade Etegami cards. More importantly, you may find that you have looked at something familiar a little differently.

Kindly note: This event requires registration and payment on Analog Connection website. Click here to register!

The fee includes use of all materials including Japanese calligraphy brushes, water-color paint, special washi paper and set of cards.