Japanese Papermaking and Water Printing

Prerequisites: All OF THE FOLLOWING: ARTDES 235: Intro to Printmaking.

Description: In this course, students explore papermaking and relief printmaking applying Japanese and East-Asian methods. Individual and group projects explore both traditional and experimental production of Japanese paper (Washi) from the long inner fibers of tree plants, the application of rice starch paste (Nori) as the vehicle in printing, collage and book-binding, and hand-rubbing pigments with a Japanese baren from inked surfaces of timber plywood (Shina) to produce water color woodcut prints (Moku-hanga). Class lectures and demonstrations as well as workshop presentations by visiting artists and speakers stress a historical and theoretical context of Asian block carving, printing and papermaking in relation to the present technologies of reproduction, individual expression and the relationship of contemporary art practices to the broader visual culture.

Frequency: This course is offered occasionally in the fall term.