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. Assignments are supportive of the beginner to advanced student. Students can register for 4 credits in first session or 8 credits for full session. Students who register for 8 credits will complete more advanced projects in the second session.

All work will be conducted remotely, using Zoom and our online course platform Canvas. 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 virtual synchronous (where we are online together) 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 asynchronously (independently, on your own schedule) 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.