The INK and the GRAIN
International Artist|April/May 2023
Using the Japanese moku hanga technique, Leon Loughridge creates rich woodblock prints of the American Southwest
Leon Loughridge
The INK and the GRAIN

Japanese woodblocks, particularly the work of Hasui Kawase and Hiroshi Yoshida-both considered masters of the Shin-hanga movementhave inspired and influenced my work. There was a great tradition of creativity and innovation in Japanese printmaking during the 18th and 19th centuries. I see the gift of knowledge from former masters not as a dictum of the process, but rather as a springboard for my own creativity.

Moku (wood) hanga (print) is a Japanese printmaking technique distinguished by its simplicity of material: wood, carving tool, water, paper, pigment, rice paste and baren. The mechanics of the process are simple, yet labor intensive, as every step is completely manual. I am physically involved with the control of each step during printing: I can apply ink to a specific area or the entire block; I can blend colors to create a gradation or modulate the subtlety of tone; I can adjust the pressure and texture of the baren to create different effects; I can print using multiple blocks to add detail and depth to a smaller area.

The more I learned about the moku hanga process, the more I moved away from traditional Western style relief printing. What intrigues me most about the hand-printing process is that it is all about touch. As an artist, I learn everything about the language I work in, taking the vocabulary and making it my own. I look at the woodblocks as my woodblock paintings. The more comfortable one becomes with a process, the more fluid and creative one can be.

この記事は International Artist の April/May 2023 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

この記事は International Artist の April/May 2023 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

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