Course Information

This course is an opportunity to develop a language using wood, washi and watercolour print-making, in an accordion book format. Over the course of five days you will explore the theme of life cycles, through moku-monoprinting and the book form. In mapping time and life cycles, you will create simple forms and motifs through resist methods and light carving techniques on wood blocks. Through moku-monoprinting onto plywood with water-colour you will develop a language or narrative series of images to be hand-bound into a concertina book with hard back covers and matching slip case. Each stage of the workshop encourages a mindful approach, from planning your image series, preparing the washi paper, brushing the watercolour onto the wood and applying pressure to the print with the hand-held press, known as a Baren. Using Japanese bookbinding techniques, you will make an ori-hon (or folded accordion book) to house your prints, with the appearance of one long continuous image. Bound within hard back covers and housed in a simple slip case, also covered with washi papers, we will create a beautiful series of books and boxes reflecting on the life cycle of the natural world.