The Printing Process
I sketch the complete design on my iPad to see if I want to make any changes before carving. When I’m happy with the design, I repeat the drawing on the printing block and start carving, removing any areas that should not be inked. This part is very time-consuming and demands a lot of patience and focus: mistakes are easy to make and difficult to fix. 🥲
When I’ve finished carving, I do a test print to check for any areas that need extra work or tidying up.
Once I’m happy with the printing block, it’s time to start printing the edition! ✨
The ink is rolled into a thin layer, and then spread evenly onto the printing block using a brayer. The paper is lowered onto the block and pressed down firmly. I use a baren for large areas, and the back of a metal spoon for precise pressure to pick up fine details. Printing without a press requires a little extra muscle…
The paper is then lifted off the block and left to dry.
If it’s a single color print, it’s finished and ready for signing and numbering. Multicolor prints require a little extra work.
I add additional colors using one of two techniques. For small highlights, I add color by hand using either watercolor or gouache paint.
For more complex color designs or large expanses of color I use reduction printing. This means carving the same block between each color application to reveal the previous layers of ink. This method always results in limited editions as it is impossible to go back and print the previous layer after the next layer has been carved.
I hope this helps to explain my printing process!
If you have any questions (or suggestions!) please drop me a message via the contact page!
Materials
Gokayama in Toyama prefecture, where Gokayama washi paper is made.
Please contact me to request a print that uses Gokayama washi.
Paper
Japan has an immensely rich history in papermaking, spanning over 1400 years, and I feel immensely humbled and inspired to use it in my work. Japanese papermaking makes use of long natural fibers from indigenous plants to create paper that is both lightweight and incredibly strong. There’s a huge variety within the world of washi paper and I enjoy taking the time to choose a paper that compliments and enhances the atmosphere of each print.
✨ I’ve begun making my own paper and will soon be able to offer prints with homemade paper. ✨
Printing block
Japanese double sided vinyl (I’m based in Tokyo and this more accessible than traditional linoleum)
Ink
Sakura Printing Oil Colors
Ipad drawing application
Procreate