The link between rowing and Sumi-e was so strong, it
became obvious to us that it was within this art form
that the new image of World Rowing would be found.
In Sumi-e, there is one, single brush stroke which
symbolises mental strength, wholeness, globality,
elegance, inclusiveness, simplicity and harmony. It is
called Enso. It is a circular brushstroke, which very nicely
illustrates the release from the water of the oar after
a perfect stroke. We chose this to represent the new
World Rowing brand.
“The body, the boat and the water working in perfect harmony.
”
© World Ro wing (Photo thanks to Cravens / Plum Films)
This new World Rowing brand does not change who
we are. On the contrary, it strengthens our image
and better identifies our personality and, we strongly
believe that rowing, in all its forms, is the truest of
sports.
The artist
Working closely with the UK-based creative agency,
Cravens, FISA commissioned an award winning Sumi-e
artist from Japan, Shouhou Teramoto, to create a
unique Enso for our new brand. And so, the World
Rowing Enso was born...
The World Rowing Enso has been created by Shouhou Teramoto, an award winning artist from Japan. She
began learning her art at age 6 from her mother – a master in Japanese Calligraphy. She achieved her
masters at University where she developed her art in the Ryokan style – a famous Zen Buddhist monk.
Shouhou has perfectly captured the spirit of rowing through the simple application of brush, ink and water.
Her Enso represents the swirl of the water made by an oar after a perfect stroke; the open global community
of rowing; and the natural harmony of rower, boat and water.
