japanese woodblock

Tutor: Yuka Sagawa 

Saturday and Sunday (eight places)

2nd and 3rd July 10am - 4pm both days

An introduction to one of the most versatile relief processes by Japanese artist Yuka Sagawa. Yuka Sagawa graduated from Nihon University, College of Art in 2003 and then gained a Master in Fine Art at Master of Fine Arts, Aichi Prefectural University of Fine Arts and Music in 2006. Presently she is studying printmaking at the University of Vienna. She was recipient of the Sumio Kawakami woodcutprint award in both 2005 and 2007.

 

 

 

the technique

 

Japanese woodblock printmaking is an ancient technique that dates back to the 8th century. It is completely hand produced and water based, requires no printing press and the minimum of specialised equipment, thus providing an environmentally friendly and easily transportable process.

 Traditionally text or an image would first be drawn onto washi (Japanese paper), and then glued onto a plank of wood, usually cherry. Wood is then cut away, based on the outlines given by the drawing. A small wooden hard object called a baren would be used to press or burnish the paper against the inked woodblock, thus applying the ink onto the paper.