Weekend Mokuhanga Workshop (Water-based woodblock printmaking) with Lucy May Schofield

During this intensive two-day workshop, you will be introduced to the traditional Japanese art of woodblock printing. Mokuhanga is perfect for anyone interested in a non-toxic, water-based, table-top printmaking technique. Over the course of two-days you will learn the skills to transfer an image to Japanese plywood, carve several colour separation blocks in relief and print on mulberry paper with watercolours, following in the tradition of Japanese Ukiyo-e printmaking. With no mechanical press required, only a hand held ‘baren’, you will learn the techniques to achieve various print effects, from ‘goma zuri’ (sesame printing) to ‘bokashi’ (gradation printing), while registering your multi-block image through the simple but brilliant traditional ‘kento’ registration system. You will be sure to fall in love with both the process and results of this intricate, accessible, mediative, water-based printmaking method which provides endless possibilities during your introduction to mokuhanga.

Lucy May Schofield studied Japanese mokuhanga whilst living in Japan for 2 years. She has regularly returned to Japan to exhibit and attend residencies. In 2019 she completed the upper advanced training programme at the Mokuhanga Innovation Laboratory near Mount Fuji.

Lucy has taught book arts and printmaking for almost 15 years and regularly runs introductory workshops as well as masterclasses. She makes books and prints, exhibiting her work internationally. Her work is held in public and private collections from the Tate to Yale Centre for British Art. She is currently based in rural Northumberland.