Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th June 2026 | 10am - 4pm
Maximum 6 participants
$650 inclusive of GST
(includes most materials)
AVAILABLE AT CHECKOUT
A two day hands-on introduction to Mokuhanga — the traditional Japanese art of woodblock printmaking – with Kay Watanabe.
All levels of printmaking experience are welcome at this workshop.
Mokuhanga is a woodcut printmaking technique hand-printed in water-based ink, typically on Japanese washi paper, using a handheld tool called a baren. Unlike Western relief printing techniques, Mokuhanga relies entirely on water-based pigments and the sensitivity of the hand to produce prints of extraordinary delicacy and depth – and excitingly, no printmaking press is required!
The best-known expression of this tradition is Ukiyo-e, the genre that gave us Hokusai's iconic Great Wave. Its influence reached far beyond Japan, inspiring European masters including Van Gogh, and Australian artists such as Margaret Preston. Today, Mokuhanga continues to flourish both in Japan and internationally, embraced by a growing community of contemporary printmakers.
Originally from Japan and now based in Brisbane, Kay Watanabe will guide you through the fundamentals of this beautiful technique. You will learn how the tools and materials of Mokuhanga differ significantly from those used in Western printmaking, and discover the unique qualities that make this approach so distinctive.
This workshop will cover:
Introduction to Mokuhanga The history and tradition of Mokuhanga, how it differs from Western woodblock printing, tools and materials overview — including baren, carving tools, and all you need to know about washi paper
Preparing your block Transferring a design to the wood and discovering a variety of specialised carving techniques — line and relief work.
Inking and printing Preparing water-based pigments, registration methods and hand printing with the baren.
Editioning your work
Producing a small edition and how to care for your prints and materials before, during and after printing.
ABOUT KAY WATANABE
Originally from Japan, Kay Watanabe is a printmaker now based in Brisbane, Australia. She works with the Mokuhanga technique, bringing a deep knowledge of its materials, tools, and traditions to her teaching practice. Kay is passionate about sharing this distinctive approach to printmaking with artists of all levels and backgrounds.
You are advised to book early to avoid disappointment!
What you should bring:
Apron
Disposable gloves
Lunch to share (tea & coffee provided!)
Drawing and/or note-taking materials
Folio to take home your finished prints (at least A2 size)
Workshop Cancellations & Refunds
We understand that circumstances can change. A refund will be offered in the following situations:
· if a workshop, in which you are enrolled, is cancelled or deferred to a date unsuitable for your attendance. This may happen in event of a Catastrophic Fire Danger day, or in the event a tutor is unwell.
· upon receipt of an email indicating your intention to withdraw your enrolment when notice is provided to us at least three weeks in advance of the workshop start date.
From the 1st of January 2025, due to merchant processing fees, all refunds will be incur a $35 administration fee.
Workshop Credit - Transfers
In the event you cannot attend a booked workshop, and with at least three weeks notice being given to us, we are happy to transfer your enrolment to a future workshop, dependant on studio availability and within 12 months of the booked workshops date.
