by guest teacher artist Katsutoshi Yuasa

Woodblock printing is the oldest known printing technique in the world. Invented in China, woodblock prints were introduced to Japan in the Asuka period (592 – 710) along with Buddhism, and became popular in the Edo period as Ukiyo-e, multi-coloured prints that used many bright colours. A woodblock is carved with carving knives and printed on paper with a hand-printing tool called baren instead of using a press. The time-consuming manual process provides a pleasant stimulus to our brain and body. Woodblock printing using water-based pigments and inks is currently attracting worldwide attention as a printmaking technique with low physical and environmental impact.

In this workshop, participants will try a new technique that combines digital photography and woodblock prints. As well as learning traditional woodblock printing techniques, participants will make woodblock prints using analogue and digital techniques. By attending this course, you can make not only Mokuhanga prints but also CMYK woodcuts.

5-day workshop

1st Course:

Dates: April 14-18, 2025

Arrival: on Sunday April 13 evening

Departure: on Friday the 18th after 5 pm.

6-8 participants

Accommodation

The accommodation in the residency will be in shared rooms and it is included on the price of the course. Meals and drinks are not included.

* Individual accommodation is also available in the village (not in the residency). Please, note the price of the pack will be slightly higher for that option.

BOOKING THIS CLASS

We offer an all-inclusive package covering tuition, materials, and accommodation for a total cost of 1.450€

Workshop Program

Day 1. Photo transfer and carving images on plywood. Carving demo.

Day 2. Carving and sharpening knives demo.

Day 3. Carving and printing. Test printing.

Day 4. Printing. Sizing paper demo.

Day 5. Printing and appreciation of participant’s works.

What we provide:

• Shared accommodation in the apartment enclosed to the studio (or private accommodation in a hotel)
• A peaceful, bright, and charming, cozy atelier.
• Space in the studio to create.
• Tools and materials listed below.
• APR Apron

Materials provided to artists:

Materials provided to artists:

• 2 Shina plywood 30×22,5cm
• 3 sheets of Kozo natural Select 46 g/m2 52x43cm from Awagami Factory
• 3 sheets of Kitakata Gampi 36 g/m2 52x43cm from Awagami Factory
• 20 sheets High Quality Japanese Washi for Print Art 210 x 260 mm Awagami Editioning Papers 1 sample pack – Awagami Factory

This Workshop is sponsored by Awagami Factory

Miscelaneous Tools available for use in the studio:

• Carving tools, Sharpening stones, Barens, Pigments, paste, brushes, bottles, cups, non-slip mats, etc.
• Drawing tools, pens, pencils, erasers, brushes, drawing paper, tracing paper, transfer paper, rulers, knives, cutting mats, masking tape, newsprint paper, cleaning supplies (soap, rags, towels, newspaper…)
• Laser Printer

Additional Materials available for purchase: (Subject to availability)

• Kozo natural Select, Mingeshi, Kizuki, Mulberry, Kitakata Gampi paper from Awagami Factory
• Non sized Japanese papers: Arakaji, Hosokawa, Mitsumata
• Shina plywood

What participants should bring

• Carving knives (if participants have them)
• Baren (if participants have it)
• Sketchbook
• Photographic images for reference

Previous knowledge on Mokuhanga is not required.

What is not included:

• Airfare
• Airport transfers
• Travel health insurance

About the teacher