Shikō Munakata (1903-1975) was a renowned Japanese woodblock printmaker and painter, celebrated for his dynamic and expressive works. His style embraced traditional Japanese aesthetics, with a focus on bold lines, spiritual themes, and a deep connection to nature. Munakata often employed a distinctive technique in which he printed with sumi ink and added color by painting through the back of the paper using watercolor or gouache.

In this workshop, we explored the techniques of mokuhanga (Japanese woodblock printing) through the lens of Shikō Munakata’s methods. Participants began by designing prints that emphasized strong, bold lines and simplified forms that harmonized with the shape of the woodblock. Using free carving with gouges and chisels, we printed the images in sumi ink, then painted through the back of the paper, allowing the color to permeate and appear on the front—mirroring Munakata’s approach in his color prints.

This workshop was especially enriched by the participation of one artist, Carrie Chalmers. Carrie’s mother and grandmother had a personal friendship with Munakata and were collectors of his work. They even hosted Munakata at their Vermont homestead, where he sketched and painted the landscape, creating an ink painting that featured their two Volkswagens. Carrie shared several of Munakata’s prints with the group, giving artists the rare opportunity to reference his works while creating their own. This was a truly unique experience, and it helped us connect with the spirit of Munakata. We also felt the presence of Carrie’s mother and grandmother, making the workshop even more meaningful.

I will be teaching two more mokuhanga workshops this month!

EXPLORING BOKASHI IN MOKUHANGA

Location: Southern Vermont Arts Center in Manchester, VT

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8
7–8 P.M. VIA ZOOM
SATURDAY & SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9 & 10
10 A.M.–4 P.M. IN PERSON

In this workshop, we will focus on printing techniques, in particular, creating “bokashi” or gradations using water and pigment on the block. 

We will spend as much time as possible experimenting with printing, so you can get a feeling for varying the conditions of the block, to see what the results will be. 

Register here

MOKUHANGA PRINTMAKING
​Location:  new new art studio in Burlington, VT

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15

7–8 P.M. VIA ZOOM
SATURDAY & SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16 & 17
10 A.M.–4 P.M. IN PERSON

We will experimenting with the printing block, so you can develop an understanding of the varying conditions of the block. This workshop will broaden your sense of the possibilities of mokuhanga through experimentation.

Register here

All of my workshops are geared to every level; you can come as a beginner or as an experienced artist. Materials are included, so you only need to bring an apron, a sketchbook, and any materials of your own that you may have acquired.