Design, cut and print. Seems simple enough. And it is! ADVERTISING Design, cut and print. Seems simple enough. And it is! The Volcano Art Center is hosting a series of workshops titled, “Mokuhanga: Traditional Japanese Woodblock Printmaking,” led by sensei
Design, cut and print. Seems simple enough. And it is!
The Volcano Art Center is hosting a series of workshops titled, “Mokuhanga: Traditional Japanese Woodblock Printmaking,” led by sensei Glenn Yamanoha.
Yamanoha will introduce the fundamentals of woodblock print and show how Hokusai created his classic art piece, “Great Wave Off Kanagawa.” This technique of woodblock print has inspired artists from French impressionist to modern art.
Traditional Japanese woodblock printmaking is a relief printing technique that uses Japanese tools and natural materials. Yamanoha will teach the basic process in four hands-on sessions. Attendees will learn the fundamental techniques of Mokuhanga such as cutting with chisels, preparing blocks and paper, registration and printing with a baren (printing pad.)
The workshop will consist of four two-hour classes from 1-3 p.m. Aug. 27 and Sept. 3, 10 and 17 at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus. The course fee is $70; $63 for VAC members.
No experience is necessary for this introductory workshop. Supplies will be provided for the first class only and VAC will provide the supply list on its website.
Mokuhanga differs from western woodblock in that it is water-based printing with sumi ink, watercolor and nori (rice paste), so no toxic solvents are used. It is printed with a hand-held baren rather than a press and it employs the accurate “kento” registration method, cut directly into the block. By using nontoxic, “green” materials, it readily combines traditional processes with new printing technologies.
Yamanoha studied woodblock printing in Kyoto, Japan, on a Monbusho (Japan government) scholarship from 1988-90. He lives in Volcano Village and runs Volcano Gravel.
To register or for more information, contact Volcano Art Center at 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.
