PNI MOKUHANGA WORKSHOP with Kate MacDonagh
30th April 2025
10 PNI studio members, artists from Limerick Printmakers & Cork Printmakers.
Following in the tradition of Japanese Ukiyo-e printmaking, Mokuhanga is a process that is suitable for anyone interested in a sustainable, non-toxic, water-based, table-top printmaking technique.
This unique, meditative and environmentally friendly process involves hand-carving on Japanese Shina plywood (or hardwood) and printing onto Japanese Washi paper. With no mechanical press required, only a handheld ‘Baren’, students will have the opportunity to explore printmaking techniques to achieve various effects.
The one-day workshop will include –
An introduction to contemporary Mokuhanga Prints incorporating –
- Intro to Carving techniques, Sharpening tools, & Japanese brushes
- A discussion about inks, colour and mediums & a look at Japanese papers
- Preparing the block for printing (sanding and sizing)
- Preparing paper & How to lay on the paper
- Printing techniques
- Stretching and flattening prints
Participants will be guided in printing their own blocks.
REQUIREMENTS AND MATERIALS
Participants are required to bring a drawing, photocopy or any source material that fits within A4 dimensions, preferably on paper.
Images that are uncomplicated will work best for this one-day experience.
All materials will be provided excluding wood carving tools.
ABOUT THE TUTOR
Kate MacDonagh is a Sligo-born artist currently working from her studio at The Model in Sligo. She studied at Limerick School of Art and Design, Bellas Artes Madrid, Bob Blackburn Printmaking Studio, New York and MI-Lab, Fujikawaguchio, Japan.
Kate is a member of Graphic Studio, Dublin and Associate Member of the Royal Society of Painter Printmakers, London. Since spending time in Japan throughout the past ten years Kate’s primary focus is on Mokuhanga and Watercolour Painting.
Workshop Documentation – John Beasley Photographer
