Japanese Woodblock Print Workshop - by April Vollmer (Hardcover)

About the Book

"An inspirational how-to course on Japanese woodblock printing's history and techniques, with guidance on materials and studio practices, step-by-step demonstrations, and examples of finished works by modern masters of the medium as well as historic pieces. An increasingly popular yet age-old art form, Japanese woodblock printing (mokuhanga) is embraced for its non-toxic character, use of handmade materials, and easy integration with other printmaking techniques. In this comprehensive guide, artist and printmaker April Vollmer--one of the best known Japanese woodblock printing practitioners and instructors in the West--combines her deep knowledge of the historic printmaking practice with expert instruction and presents a collection of diverse and gorgeous prints by leading contemporary artists in the medium, as well as her own work. At once practical and inspirational, this handbook is as useful to serious printmakers and artists as it is to creative types who are drawn to Japanese history and aesthetics and are looking to experiment in other media"--

Book Synopsis

An inspirational how-to course on Japanese woodblock printing's history and techniques, with guidance on materials and studio practices, step-by-step demonstrations, and examples of finished works by modern masters of the medium as well as historic pieces.

A Modern Guide to the Ancient Art of mokuhanga

An increasingly popular yet age-old art form, Japanese woodblock printing (mokuhanga) is embraced for its non-toxic character, use of handmade materials, and easy integration with other printmaking techniques. In this comprehensive guide, artist and printmaker April Vollmer--one of the best known mokuhanga practitioners and instructors in the West--combines her deep knowledge of this historic printmaking practice with expert step-by-step instruction, guidance on materials and studio practices, and a diverse collection of prints by leading contemporary artists. At once practical and inspirational, this handbook is as useful to serious printmakers and artists as it is to creative people drawn
to Japanese history and aesthetics.

Review Quotes

"Vollmer's comprehensive guide to traditional tools and materials (including an enlightening discussion of Japanese paper), and lucid, illustrated, step-by-step instructions on all aspects of cutting a block and pulling a print make this publication a uniquely invaluable manual and guide. Artists, curators, collectors, gallerists, and Asian art enthusiasts will find this remarkable book indispensible."
--Roberta Waddell, Retired Curator of Prints, the New York Public Library

"While coalescing a mass of cross-cultural, on-site know-how and vast swaths of creative inspiration from traditionally trained artisans to dynamic contemporary artists, Japanese Woodblock Print Workshop elucidates anew the multilayered world of mokuhanga."
--Claire Cuccio, PhD, President of the board of the International Mokuhanga Conference

"This is an exemplary, beautiful book with an expansive viewpoint that brings together a clear explanation of the technique with a broad view of its influence, illustrated with work from a wide circle of international contemporary artists, giving its inherent beauty fresh relevance."
--Karen Kunc, Cather Professor of Art at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln

About the Author

APRIL VOLLMER is a New York artist who studied mokuhanga after receiving her Master of Fine Arts in printmaking at Hunter College. Her work has been shown widely and she teaches regularly at the Lower East Side Printshop. She has participated in many residencies, including the Nagasawa Art Park in Japan; and was on the board of the first and second International Mokuhanga Conferences.