Japanese woodblock printmaking
Course Overview
Mokuhanga, Japanese Woodblock printmaking, is a traditional Japanese art which has long been admired by Westerners. This relief print method uses a special registration system, together with compatible materials comprising carved woodblocks, Japanese paper (washi), and water based pigments. The image is carved using a selection of special knives and chisels. Rowan will show you how make your design, transfer it to the block and how to apply the water-based inks using a brush. Using the unique registration system the blocks are then hand printed with a baren, the ink is pressed deeply into the absorbent Japanese paper. This Japanese method is low tech and environmentally friendly. It is the particular combination of materials and processes which result in the unique quality of a Mokuhanga print.
Rowan, who travelled to Japan especially to learn Mokuhanga, will help you immerse yourself in Japanese aesthetics for the weekend.
Suitability
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Advanced
Access Information
Slight step up into studio, then all on one level incl accessible toilet
please see the Print shed and Rowan's own website for more details
Special Requirements
Please bring a packed lunch, drinks and biscuits provided. The chisels that we use are very sharp : beginners are very welcome but please be aware that a certain amount of manual dexterity is desirable!
Cost
£240
Duration
2 days
Venue
Castle orchard, Putley, Ledbury HR8 2RH
Booking Info
via Rowan www.rowanmconegal.co.uk
01531 670075 or 07816 858664
Testimonials
“Rowan’s own passion for woodblock printing shines through in her teaching, and I thoroughly enjoyed the process of making my first print in this way. ”Richard
“' At 87 I discovered I was not too old to learn! I enjoyed the workshop immensely, together with the welcome I received and the expert tuition I was given. Introduction to a new technique was refreshing, and it has given me the confidence to be more adventurous and imaginative with my woodcuts and lino-cuts.' ”John
“I love printmaking, and it was a real treat to join one of Rowans' Japanese Woodblock workshops. I came away inspired by Rowan and her infectious enthusiasm. She had a huge amount of examples of woodblock printing, interesting personal anecdotes as well as clear practical demonstrations. ”Jeanette
“I am a total novice at printmaking but was keen to try the woodblock course run by Rowan because I have always loved the simplicity and pathos of Japanes prints. Rowan is an excellent teacher, enthusing her students and explaining each process carefully so that everyone, not matter how inexperienced, can grasp the priniciples that need to be followed to achieve the desired results. Even though I was only in a class for a couple of hours I was able to carve a soaring swallow and produce some satisfying prints by the end of the session. It was an absorbing, challenging but rewarding clas which I would thoroughly recommend. ”Bill
“"A very insightful practical introduction to an ancient form of printmaking. I feel inspired to follow up Rowan's workshop by incorporating the philosophy and techniques in my own work." ”Marion