Japanese woodcut printmaking
Time: 18:00 - 21:00
Location: Keeley Street
Choose a start date
- Course Code: VS049
- Dates: 30/04/25 - 04/06/25
- Time: 18:00 - 21:00
- Taught: Wed, Evening
- Duration: 6 sessions (over 6 weeks)
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: Carol Justin Wilhide
Course Code: VS049
Choose a start date
Duration: 6 sessions (over 6 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
This intensive workshop covers various aspects of the traditional Japanese Woodcut
printmaking process. The process is versatile and differs from western (oil based ink) woodblock in that it is water based and non-toxic, using watercolour pigment, woodblock, Japanese carving tools, rice paste and Japanese paper to create beautiful nuanced prints. It is done entirely by hand without a printing press.
What will we cover?
Each participant will learn how to design, carve and print an edition of multi-coloured woodblock prints to take
home. You will learn the kento registration system. You will also learn the history of this fascinating technique and background to Japanese paper making from a tutor who studied in Japan from Japanese sensei. Previous
experience is not essential.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Understand the key concepts behind Japanese woodcut, the history and artistic range
• Work from initial drawings and evaluate them for print
• Explore colour separation
• Cut woodblock safely and with increasing confidence
• Kento registration
• Learn the delicate printing process using water pigments, nori and a baren
• Understand the Japanese papermaking process and identify different papers.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable for complete beginners. Prior experience of printmaking can be an advantage but it is not essential.
You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions to support demonstrations, hand-outs and for health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Demonstration and practical application. One to one and group discussion.
As the course is spread over two days it would be advantageous to continue cutting blocks at home between classes.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Basic materials will be provided but you are welcome to bring any extra or special materials.
.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Continue studying Japanese Woodcut as this course accomodates further learning for those having attended as beginners and are ready to tackle more advanced techniques.
Alternatively you may wish to explore other related courses such as
Experimental or large scale relief printing.
Your tutor can advise.
Carol Wilhide Justin graduated from the Royal College of Art in 2017 with an MA in Print. She was awarded a residency to study Japanese woodcut in Japan from Japanese sensei. building upon her experience and training, she now makes Japanese woodcut prints exclusively using her own digital photographs and drawings taken from the natural world. The camera’s ‘decisive moment’ and the woodcut’s lengthy interpretation of the same image allow for the subject be crystallised in an emotional and atmospheric way. Since graduation she has won the Travers Smith CSR Award (RCA) and has been in many exhibitions notably regularly showing at the RA Summer Exhibition and the Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair where in 2018 she was awarded the Intaglio Printmaking Prize and last year exhibited her 16 metre installation ‘Water’. In 2021 she is due to deliver a paper to the Mokuhanga International Conference in Nara, Japan. Her work is held in the Clifford Chance, RCA, CfSHE ,Tokyo, Awagami, Japan and V&A Print Collections. Website: www.carolwilhide.com Instagram: caroljustin1 Email: caroljustin1@gmail.com
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.