Sensei Yamanoha to Teach Japanese Woodblock Printing

“Great Wave off Kanagawa,” a classic example of mokuhanga. Courtesy image.

Do you remember Great Wave off Kanagawa? It is a classic image that is immediately recognizable. But did you know it is a fine example of mokuhanga? This Japanese style of woodblock printing differs from western woodblock in that it is waterbased printing with sumi ink, watercolor and nori (rice paste); no toxic solvents are used.

You can learn how to make your own classic image with Sensei Glenn Yamanoha at Volcano Art Center’s “Mokuhanga: Traditional Japanese Woodblock Printmaking.”

The workshop will consist of five Thursday afternoon sessions at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus from Feb. 2 through March 9 (Feb. 2, 9, 16, March 2, 9)from 1 to 3:30 p.m.

The course fee is $80; $72 for VAC members, plus a $30 supply fee. No experience is necessary for this workshop.

Traditional Japanese woodblock printmaking is a relief printing technique that uses Japanese tools and natural materials.

Sensei Glenn Yamanoha at Volcano Art Center’s “Mokuhanga: Traditional Japanese Woodblock Printmaking.” VAC courtesy photo.

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

Attendees will learn the fundamental techniques of Mokuhanga such as cutting with chisels, preparing blocks and paper, registration, and printing with a baren (printing pad.) By utilizing non-toxic, “green” materials, it readily combines traditional processes with new printing technologies.

To register or for more information please contact Volcano Art Center at 808-967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.

Yamanoha studied woodblock printing in Kyoto, Japan, on a Monbusho (Japan government) scholarship between 1988 and 1990.

He lives in Volcano Village and runs Volcano Gravel.

The Volcano Art Center is a nonprofit educational organization created in 1974 to promote, develop and perpetuate the artistic and cultural heritage of Hawai‘i’s people and environment through activities in the visual, literary and performing arts.

Visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.