Mokuhanga: Japanese Woodblock Printing

Description

Mokuhanga, Japanese woodblock printing, uses water-based inks and is a versatile, accessible and non-toxic method of printmaking, 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.

In this hands-on workshop, you will be guided through carving your own design into a wood block using specialist tools, and printing your image by hand with watercolour paints, creating 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.

The aim of this course is to give learners an idea of the possibilities of Mokuhanga as a medium to create images, and to have fun and get inky!

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! 

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. If you wish to prepare a specific image beforehand, the image size we will be working to is 11x17cm. Try to keep your design simple and uncomplicated – 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!

Itinerary :

The day will consist of :

• Introduction to the workshop and 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 
• Preparing paper
• Inking and printing

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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