KAY WATANABE | MOKUHANGA JAPANESE-STYLE WOODBLOCK PRINTING
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Monday 12 – Friday 16 January 2026 – Cancelled
Mokuhanga is a type of woodcut printmaking technique that is hand-printed in water-based ink, typically on Japanese ‘washi’ paper, using a hand-held tool called ‘baren.’
The well-known example of this type of printmaking is ‘Ukiyoe,’ including Hokusai’s ‘Great Wave.’ There are also many contemporary artists working with the technique in Japan and around the world who create unique and beautiful works.
Originally from Japan and currently based in Brisbane, Kay will teach you the basics of Mokuhanga, and touch upon tools and materials for this technique.
You’ll aim to create a woodblock print of your design in two to three colours, which means you will carve a few wood blocks. You will then hand print them on washi Japanese paper, using water-based ink. We will discuss the history of Japanese woodblock, including Ukiyo-e and contemporary works as well as tools and materials, such as washi Japanese paper, which are quite different from those used in Western printmaking. All levels
Mokuhanga is a type of woodcut printmaking technique that is hand-printed in water-based ink, typically on Japanese ‘washi’ paper, using a hand-held tool called ‘baren.’
The well-known example of this type of printmaking is ‘Ukiyoe,’ including Hokusai’s ‘Great Wave.’ There are also many contemporary artists working with the technique in Japan and around the world who create unique and beautiful works.
Originally from Japan and currently based in Brisbane, Kay will teach you the basics of Mokuhanga, and touch upon tools and materials for this technique.
You’ll aim to create a woodblock print of your design in two to three colours, which means you will carve a few wood blocks. You will then hand print them on washi Japanese paper, using water-based ink. We will discuss the history of Japanese woodblock, including Ukiyo-e and contemporary works as well as tools and materials, such as washi Japanese paper, which are quite different from those used in Western printmaking. All levels
KAY WATANABE Bio
Web printmaking8.wixsite.com/kaywatanabe
Instagram kayw_artist
Facebook KayWatanabePrintmaker
Kay Watanabe is a visual artist based in Brisbane, her works include printmaking, painting, drawing, photography, small sculptures and artist books for the last 30 years. Kay actively exhibits in Australia and internationally, and teaches various printmaking techniques, including Mokuhanga, in Brisbane and beyond. She focuses on the relationship between humanity and the environment, utilising negotiations of colour, form and texture.
Instagram kayw_artist
Facebook KayWatanabePrintmaker
Kay Watanabe is a visual artist based in Brisbane, her works include printmaking, painting, drawing, photography, small sculptures and artist books for the last 30 years. Kay actively exhibits in Australia and internationally, and teaches various printmaking techniques, including Mokuhanga, in Brisbane and beyond. She focuses on the relationship between humanity and the environment, utilising negotiations of colour, form and texture.
