Other Fine Art Works
Japanese Paper Making
In the Fall of 2019, I had the incredible opportunity to take a course with Masters Tomomi and Hisashi Kano during their residency at Stamps. This class was an immersive experience in Japanese paper-making and relief printmaking, exploring both traditional and experimental production methods of Japanese paper (Washi) from the long inner fibers of tree plants. We learned to use rice starch paste (Nori) as a medium in printing, collage, and book-binding.
One of the highlights was hand-rubbing pigments with a Japanese baren on inked timber plywood (Shina) to create watercolor woodcut prints (Moku-hanga). Individual and group projects allowed us to apply these techniques creatively. Lectures, demonstrations, and workshops by visiting artists and speakers provided historical and theoretical context, linking Asian block carving, printing, and papermaking to contemporary art practices and the broader visual culture. The course was super interesting and truly unforgettable, thanks to the Kanos' expertise and passion.
Washi,
which literally means "Japanese paper," is a light yet strong traditional paper made by hand from the inner-bark fibers of three specific plants: kozo, mitsumata, and gampi. The masters who taught us actually brought the kozo bark and tree branches with them from the rural Obara in the Aichi Prefecture of Japan, adding a deeply authentic touch to our learning experience. Its remarkable durability and unique texture make it an exceptional medium for various artistic and functional uses, from printmaking and bookbinding to lanterns and sliding doors. The traditional methods of producing washi have been passed down through generations, preserving a craft that is deeply embedded in Japanese culture and artistic expression.
