Hiromi Paper International, Inc. 2525 Michigan Avenue #G-9
Santa Monica, CA 90404
TEL: (310) 998-0098   http://www.hiromipaper.com .

 

On March 23, Hiromi Paper was proud to host a talk on Japanese wood cut prints by New York based printer April Vollmer. Ten years ago, inspired by the prints of Utamaro, Hokusai and other masters, she decided to learn "Hanga", the traditional Japanese technique of printing using a carved wood block, handmade paper, and water based ink.

Of all the graphic media, woodcut is perhaps the most direct and expressive. It requires only a small space and a few simple tools. However, as April pointed out, it does require a great deal of precision and an understanding of traditional Japanese methods and tools.

Handmade Japanese paper plays a vital part in the process. Because the fibers are beaten by hand during the paper making process instead of by machine they retain their shape and are incredibly strong. They don't stretch or shrink when dampened for printing. In a print using many different colors, each needing a separate block, this stability is vital for precise registration.

Additionally, handmade Japanese paper has a luminous surface quality which becomes part of the print as opposed to merely supporting the color.

April recommends using a Dosa sized 100% Kozo paper, such as Hosho HM, for making woodblock prints. She loves its ability to hold the transparent colors used in Hanga. Sizing is necessary to prevent the sheet from sticking to the block and ripping during the printing process.

April stressed the importance of purchasing a high quality Japanese paper when you consider the time and energy one puts into the process of creating a Hanga woodblock print. As she told the wood block enthusiasts gathered in the colorful Hiromi Paper showroom, "Use Washi - it's good stuff!" She also discussed the making of computer generated Iris prints using Japanese paper. She finds it very pleasing to combine the technologies of the 17th century with those of the 21 st. She displayed several beautiful prints she has created by printing digitally on handmade Japanese paper. Just as in woodblock printing, April strongly advises using a high quality paper with a hard surface, such as Kozo Misumi (DHM- 11).

April's enthusiasm for traditional woodblock technique, and her expert use of ink, wood, and paper was inspiring. If you wish to learn more about Hanga and which Japanese papers are most suited for woodblock printing you can contact April through her web site, www.aprilvollmer.com.

Bruce Meade