Introduction to Mokuhanga (Japanese Waterbased Printmaking)

Tutor: Elspeth Lamb

23rd and 24th March

10-4.30pm

Fee: £110 for 2 days inclusive of all woodcut tools and materials

What is Mokuhanga ?

Japanese woodblock printing is a technique which involves inking the block with watercolour paints and specialist brushes as opposed to the western form of printmaking which utilizes oil based solvent inks applied with rollers. It only differs slightly in technique from those prints we recognize by artists such as Hiroshige and Kuniyoshi. It is an ideal print method for teaching in schools or practicing at home and the tools required are very accessible. The paint is applied to the image with brushes and the image transferred to paper with the aid of a pressure pad known as a baren. All tools and materials including cutting tools and brushes are provided along with details of stockists.

Over the course of the two day workshop , participants will learn how to carve and print a block using a method called ‘reductive’ printing, in order to achieve colour prints. Elspeth will oversee each stage in the process and everyone should achieve a small edition of colour prints to take home. Demonstrations of different techniques will be shown.

Due to the short time involved we will be working to a maximum size of 17 x 24 centimetres. Images may be portrait or landscape format.Further instructions will be sent out nearer the course suggesting things you may want to bring. All cutting tools and specialist Japanese papers will be supplied and included in the cost.

For further information or to book this course contact Elspeth here

 

Elspeth Lamb

Elspeth Lamb taught Printmaking at the Edinburgh College of Art for 21 years and over the last several years has studied with master printers and carvers in Japan. In September 2014 she presented a paper on her research into papermaking and print in Tokyo at the Second Mokuhanga Conference held at Tokyo University. Her book, “Papermaking for Printmakers” was published in 2006 by A&C Black,  Bloomsbury Press ,London.

She is a practising international artist and has been an elected Academician of the Royal Scottish Academy since 1991.

Here is a great YouTube film featuring Elspeth. Click here 

 

Elspeth Lamb with her book “Nagasaki Cantrips” Rare books collection Mitchell Library Glasgow.

 

Participants work from a workshop held in Wales 2018 – reduction woodcuts made on a 2 day workshop.

 

 

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