Mokuhanga: Japanese Woodblock Printing (2 day)

Description

Join artist printmaker and WYPW technician Kate Desforges for a 2 day workshop exploring the art of Mokuhanga – Japanese woodblock printing. 

The technique of Mokuhanga is a versatile, accessible and non-toxic method of printmaking making use of water-based inks and the ability to print an image without the need for a press. Made famous by artists such as Hokusai and the ‘Great Wave’, the technique dates back hundreds of years, and is still used by contemporary artists all over the world today.

Yielding delicate and subtle results, in contrast with many Western relief based processes which producer a bolder effect. Mokuhanga is a time honoured technique celebrated for its organic yet expressive qualities.

In this hands-on workshop, you will be guided through creating a 2-colour print – designing and colour-separating an image by thinking in layers, transferring your image onto the block, carving your design using specialist tools, and printing your image by hand with watercolour paints, to create a small edition of A5 prints to take home. You will also experiment with colour layering and using creative inking to achieve multi-coloured prints – including an opportunity to experiment with ‘bokashi’ wich will allow you to achieve gradients and multi-coloured prints..

The aim of this course is to give learners an idea of the possibilities of Mokuhanga as a medium to create images and get you started on your print journey!

Itinerary :

Day 1 – Hot drinks, introductions, explanation of technique with examples. Each stage of the process will be demonstrated first, and students will be supported and guided throughout. – Drawing and transferring designs to blocks – Carving blocks – Carbon paper proofs – Demo of preparing paper

Day 2 – Finish carving blocks – Demo of printing – Students print both blocks.

Your tutor: Kate Desforges

Kathryn Desforges is an artist and printmaker based in West Yorkshire. She makes, exhibits and sells limited edition, handmade original contemporary prints and artist books. Kate is Studio Co-ordinator and Technician at West Yorkshire Print Workshop. In 2018 she undertook a 5 week residency in Japan studying Japanese woodblock printing.

www.kathryndesforges.co.uk

Experience level

This course is suitable for beginners and well as those looking to learn a new printmaking technique or who want a process refresher. The only requirements are an experimental approach and an open mind! Please note that there is a certain amount of dexterity needed to use carving tools.

What’s included?

All course prices include basic materials such as inks, paper, tools and equipment.

What should I prepare beforehand?

All materials and equipment will be provided. You are welcome to bring general reference images, photographs or books to use as inspiration. There is some image prep work to do for this course, which will help massively as there is a lot to get through in 2 days! Some guidance on image prep will be sent out in advance, and we’d estimate that it will take you a couple of hours. The golden rule will be to keep it simple!  – try using simple shapes which you won’t find too difficult to carve, especially if it’s your first attempt. We advise bringing along an apron or old shirt to avoid getting mucky!

What’s next?

After attending this course you can join our workshop as a member and continue to use our facilities to make and develop your own work. The sooner the better, as the longer you leave it the more you are likely to forget! If you join up within one month of attending the course you will receive a £5 discount. Find out more about the benefits of membership here: https://www.wypw.org/shop/standard-membership/

Cancellation Policy:

• If you have to cancel:

If you are unable to attend your booked course, we may accept the fee paid as payment towards a place on the same or another course that takes place within the same financial year (running 1 April-31 March) following the originally booked event. Such a transfer will be on condition that we are informed in writing of your intentions four weeks prior to the originally booked event. Bookings can only be transferred once.

• 16-12 weeks before the course: 50 % of the fee will be retained by WYPW
• Less than 12 weeks before the course: 100% of the fee will be retained by WYPW
• Please note that full payment is required for non-attendance on a booking that has been transferred.

If you have any further questions about our cancellation policy, please contact us on info@wypw.org  

• If we have to cancel:

West Yorkshire Print Workshop reserves the right to cancel or re-arrange courses if there are insufficient participants enrolled to run a viable course or for other unforeseen circumstances. We will do our best to give those who have already enrolled at least one weeks’ notice of cancellation. In such circumstances you will be offered a free transfer to another course date or a full refund of fees paid.

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