Printmaking: Mokuhanga - Japanese Woodblock

Art and nature come together in this hands-on exploration of Mokuhanga printmaking, also known as Japanese woodblock printing. Through investigation of printing techniques dating back to the Edo period (1603-1868) for the style known as Ukiyo-e, this class will explore and demonstrate a close appreciation of nature in the practice of art-making. Subject matter will be open for the student to decide, and the technical process will be influenced by the historical practices of Japanese printmaking. 

In this online-based summer program, traditional methods of Eastern printmaking will be explored through a Western lens. This course is available for a full 10-week session earning 8 credits, or an introductory first 5-week session earning 4 credits. Assignments are supportive of the beginner to advanced student. 

All work will be conducted remotely, using Canvas and Zoom. A computer and access to the internet are preferred but not required, a phone may be used to connect during class sessions, all assignments must be submitted for review at the end of the session attended. Regularly scheduled synchronous (together) virtual meetings will take place once a week. Working in a collaborative manner, there will be opportunities to hold class critique sessions for peer review and also post to a class blog in Canvas. 

Through step-by-step demonstrations and video tutorials, students will be expected to take notes and work a-synchronistically (independent) during the week. Students will learn wood carving, inking, and hand-printing with water-based ink from a simple home studio that only requires a table and water for clean-up. Students should be prepared to invest 8-10 hours a week to complete all projects outside of class sessions. 

Students will be required to purchase a basic supply kit that will be theirs to keep. This will include traditional rice paper for printing, basic carving tools and sharpening stone, bamboo baren, brushes, palette, nori (rice paste), and black Sumi ink. Other materials such as watercolor, watercolor pencils, color pencils, etc. are optional and additional that may provide a means of contemporary exploration of the traditional Japanese woodblock printing techniques to define a unique and innovative style of expression!

The faculty will offer alternative assignments if conditions or illness prevent students from accessing our synchronous meetings, which will allow students to earn comparable credit.