Japanese Woodblock Printmaking at VAC

Volcano Art Center is getting ready for its next Mokuhanga workshop.

The introductory workshop will go over traditional Japanese Woodblock Printmaking with Sensei Glenn Yamanoha.

Using Japanese tools and natural materials, the art form is a traditional method of relief painting.

Instructor Yamanoha will introduce the basic process in four hands-on sessions.

During the sessions, attendees will learn fundamental techniques like cutting with chisels, preparing blocks and paper, registration, and printing with a baren (printing pad).

Different than the western woodblock, Mokuhanga is water-based printing with sumi ink, watercolor, and nori. Rather than a press, artists use a hand held baren, which employs the right registration method, cutting directly into the block.

Instructor Yamanoha studied woodblock printing in Kyoto, Japan on a Japanese government scholarship between 1988 and 1990. He now lives in Volcano Village and runs Volcano Gravel.

Five two-hour classes will make-up the workshop. Each session will take place at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus, with the first class beginning on Jan. 14. The sessions will follow on a Thursday schedule through Feb. 11 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The course fee is $72 for VAC members and $80 for non-members, plus a $25 supply fee for everyone.

To register or for more information, please contact Volcano Art Center at 808-967-8222 or visit the VAC website.