Friday-Sunday, October 30-November 1, 10 AM-5 PM

with Annie Bissett

Mokuhanga (literally “wood print”) is a term for the ancient Japanese technique of watercolor woodblock printing—an environmentally friendly low-tech process that can be done at home and that combines well with other media. The workshop moves systematically through every step of the process: transferring images to wooden blocks, carving with Japanese tools, and printing with brushes and a baren using the Kento registration system. We will also focus on a few of the printing techniques particular to mokuhanga, especially how to create a bokashi (color gradation). Students will leave the workshop with a small edition of prints, the blocks you carved, and the basic skills to keep working at home.

The workshop is suitable for beginners as well as students who have already taken a mokuhanga workshop and want to sharpen their skills. Note that students will need to purchase and bring their own carving tools.

We are grateful to McClain’s Printmaking Supplies for their partial sponsorship of this workshop.

About the Instructor

Annie Bissett has been an instructor at Zea Mays Printmaking Studio since 2009. She began her art career as a freelance digital illustrator, working with clients such as National Geographic Society, The Wall Street Journal, Time-Life Publications, and a wide range of magazines. Her woodblock prints have been exhibited throughout the U.S. as well as in Canada, Japan and the United Kingdom. Bissett’s work has received critical attention in Printmaking Today, The Stranger and the Washington Post, and her work is featured in April Vollmer’s book Japanese Woodblock Print Workshop.