I’ve recently discovered/developed an appreciation for Japanese printmaking. As a westerner with no direct connection to visual arts (I’m a theatre artist/professor—all my work is performance-based) this was frankly a wonderful and surprising discovery. I’ve watched a couple Miyazaki films, but I never really connected with anime which is how most westerners seem to connect with Japanese art. And while my knowledge of visual art generally is maybe better than the average person’s, I am in no way an expert. I also possess no skill with painting/drawing—even my handwriting is illegible for most other people. I just really love these works/this style and I’m hoping to learn more. Again, this is a bit of a surprise. Even when I’ve gone to galleries and done the whole cultured-artist thing, I appreciate the works but am rarely moved. But this stuff really resonated with me for some reason. Stumbling upon the Yoshida family’s works kinda opened the door and now… here I am.

Here’s what I’m wondering: are any documentaries or anything out there about Japanese printmaking that folks would recommend to someone like me? I have some basic understanding of Western woodcarving/printmaking. I’ve seen demonstrations and examples with woodblocks and prints. I’m reading about Japanese processes here and there and trying to find out more, but the it’s still a bit opaque to me. I’d also love to know more about the history, tradition, process, etc. Anything that might be a good primer for someone not traditionally connected with these works. Thanks!

Woodcut into 6mm birch ply. Jigsaw cut. Intended as nesting but came out like fish Can't win them all

The first in what would become a series of German expressionist woodcuts, I had been reminded of my love for the movement over the first lockdown of 2020. I threw this together in a few days on some scrap plywood and couldn't love it more. It got me working quicker and looser than I had previously been comfortable with, and the ply being cheap building material lifted and chipped in unexpected ways. A very good and long overdue lesson on how not to be so precious about my work!

Inspired by Willem Dafoe's performance in The Lighthouse

Hi! I’ve made some carvings into erasers and love the way they came out and would love to preserve them as long as I can. I usually rinse my linoleum/speedy carve stuff but am worried the eraser material won’t hold up as well getting wet and drying?

For those with more experience I’d love to hear your thoughts!! Thanks!!

My first time printmaking!

drypoint!! i love how this came out. printed off six and am planning to do a few more!

Is it worth upgrading tools if I primarily use the pink lino? I’ve only been at this hobby for a few months, but my super supportive partner got me a ton of pink lino for Christmas. I’ve been using the basic speedball kit, and been wondering about getting one of the other heavily recommended types on this sub to try out since I feel like this hobby is gonna stick around and I want to invest in good equipment. Any thoughts are appreciated!

ALSO!! If anyone in Canada has any Canadian recs for tools either manufacturers or stores please comment those as well :)

Is the speedball brand tool with multiple heads worth a shot for a beginner?

It’s been a rough week.

So, I purchased these blue Lino blocks. They cut reasonably well. My biggest issue, when I transfer my image it is awful! I can barely see what I’ve got on there and find myself having to draw over the lines. Sometimes multiple times. I’ve only found it happens with this blue Lino.

I’ve got another 8 of them and really don’t want to chuck them.

Any advice??

Is it just impossible to do by hand? I love working with heavier papers. This is a 400 GSM cotton paper with a lot of texture. Would dampening the paper help get an even print (I’m pressing by hand), or is this a lost cause?

A mini sea lion print I just carved, he’s sad because he doesn’t want to say good bye to you. Look at him waving to you, yes YOU! Please tell him you operate on a no sea lion left behind policy.

After printing 35 linocut dog heads (10x10cm) I arranged them on a large sheet of paper and included them in a painting. How do you understand it? What do you see in it?

I’m supposed to buy carving tools and was told to get rockler tool kit but my issue is that it looks exactly like the Mikisyo Power Grip carving tools down to the little logo and branding on the tool itself along with Rockler.

I might be spelling it wrong but I was told the ROCKLER Power Grip carving tools was from japan but if mikisyo exists is one of them cheaper or more durable?

Fyi it’s the 5 piece set

I wanted to make do with $2 but I’m required to need sharp tools.

If anyone knows some budget Power Grip carving tools that’s as sharp and is a 5 piece set I’d appreciate it. There’s one in home depo but those are like $100

Just finished hand-printing my second lino cut! This time, I experimented with some stippling and focused on carving more carefully to minimise chatter when printing. It’s not perfect yet, but I’m all about enjoying the learning process 🤙🏻