Art and nature come together in this immersive, hands-on course exploring Mokuhanga, the traditional Japanese woodblock printing technique. Rooted in the rich history of Ukiyo-e from Japan’s Edo period (1603–1868), students will learn time-honored methods of carving, inking, and printing using water-based pigments and handmade paper.
This course emphasizes a deep appreciation of nature as both subject and inspiration. Students will choose their own themes and imagery, while the technical application of traditional Japanese methods will guide the visual aesthetic of their work.
Students will create a series of four complete Mokuhanga prints, conduct a research project to deepen understanding of the cultural and historical context of the artform, and participate in step-by-step demonstrations, lectures, video tutorials, in a collaborative studio environment. Designed for both beginners and experienced printmakers, this in-person class fosters a supportive, collaborative learning environment on Evergreen’s Olympia campus. Independent studio access will be available to support project completion and personal exploration.
Anticipated Credit Equivalencies:
8 - Japanese Printmaking
Registration
none required
Academic Details
Visual arts, creative fields, museum and cultural work
Required $50 studio lab fee
Students should budget $60–$150 for materials to complete their Mokuhanga printmaking projects. This includes:
Minimum required:2 woodblocks4 sheets of Japanese printmaking paperOptional:Additional blocks or paper may be purchased at the student's discretion.All required supplies will be available in the studio classroom and charged to your student account. Carving tools, ink, and printing equipment will be provided in the studio for use during class and independent work sessions.