Registration: Before registering for classes & workshops, please review our registration policies in full. For questions, contact us at the front desk.
Description: Artist Micha Croft returns for an immersive introduction to mokuhanga, the Japanese art of water-based woodblock printmaking. This hands-on workshop will guide students through the fundamentals of mokuhanga, including carving, printing, registration, tool preparation, and transferring designs from block to print.
The class begins with a simple carving and printing exercise, offering students a chance to explore various techniques while experiencing the magic of color layering. Ideal for beginners curious about non-toxic relief printmaking, this workshop is also perfect for artists seeking to expand their creative repertoire with a new medium.
Participants will receive a beautiful mokuhanga tool set from Michihamono, allowing them to continue their exploration at home. The workshop will conclude with a casual sharing of completed works and a take-home print exchange, creating a meaningful connection among participants.
What is Mokuhanga?
Mokuhanga is a traditional Japanese woodblock printing technique that involves carving an image into wood, applying water-based ink, and transferring the image onto paper or fabric. Unlike Western techniques, which often use oil-based inks and mechanical presses, mokuhanga is done by hand, using a handheld baren to apply pressure and transfer the ink.
Level: Beginner, Ages 16+
Please note: Registration for this class will close on Saturday, July 18 at midnight.
Schedule:
- Friday, July 24 from 5:30 – 7:30pm (orientation),
- Saturday & Sunday, July 25 & 26 from 10:00am – 4:00pm
Supply Fee Includes: **This list may be updated before the class start date**
- Premium Mokuhanga Set from Michihamono
- Original textbook supervised by Hicosaka Woodblock Print Studio
- WOODY carving knives: Flat 12, Seal 7.5, Round 3/6, Triangle 3, Flat-round 7.5, Round knife 9
- 2 Creative brushes (15mm)
- 2 Transferring brushes
- 1 sheet of A4 tracing paper
- Non-slip mat
- Creative baren (hand-printing tool)
- 2 Plastic trays
- Paint set
- Woodblock (Basswood plywood)
- 1 sheet of A6 carbon paper
- 5 sheets of printing paper (postcard size)
- Two 4x4” Shina blocks
- Pansion - 1 sheet per student
- Damp pack
- A portion of your supply fee covers studio maintenance
Students should bring:
- Pen & Sketchbook
- Something to drink, snack and lunch (Please note that an option to for potluck is available if you want to bring a dish to share)
About the Artist: Micha Croft grew up exploring the rocky coastline of Northern California, hiking in the Sierra Nevada mountains, and drawing and painting the world around her. After earning her Bachelor of Arts degree and teaching credential from UC San Diego, she continued to study various art forms including Japanese brush painting, drawing and printmaking. Her interest in Japanese woodblock printing (mokuhanga) led her to the Donkey Mill Art Center. “My artwork is inspired by the poetry of the world around us—in the whisper of clouds, the flow of water, the silence of stones. My hope is to create work that echoes the quiet voice inside us all.”
About Our Programs: As a place of convergence, the Mill serves as both a community and a physical place–celebrating the power of the arts, bringing people, ideas and perspectives together. We are proud to offer adult and youth programs that focus on awareness of one’s individuality in the contexts of family, community and the natural world. Our exhibitions provide a space to reflect, share perspectives and grow as a community. Our classes & workshops are designed to inspire creativity, foster connections, and provide enriching experiences for all participants. We invite you to join us in the studio.
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