Made my way up to Shinjuku to Keio Plaza Hotel’s Lobby Gallery to see a gorgeous woodblock printing exhibition by some of Japan’s top printmakers. Super excited to see work by my lovely friend Louise Rouse included!
Louise’s pieces are brilliant standouts and her invitation to exhibit exemplifies a great future for a traditional craft.
Louise created her “Ropes, Cords, Bonds” and “Hybrids” pieces using Chine-colle techniques. Per Wikipedia, “Chine–collé is a special technique in printmaking, in which the image is transferred to a surface that is bonded to a heavier support in the printing process. One purpose is to allow the printmaker to print on a much more delicate surface, such as Japanese paper or linen, which pulls finer details off the plate.”
She is an Adjunct Professor in the art program at Temple University, Japan, and co-teaches workshops with master woodblock carver Motoharu Asaka. This summer they are offering a course to teach the full process of woodblock printmaking from start to finish. Don’t be intimidated, this class is open to beginners. You will become familiar with carving, printing, and paper handling all in the city of Tokyo. This is a great opportunity for an experience holiday in Japan. Their next 4-Day Intensive Course starts August 9:
Follow Louise Rouse on Instagram: louise.rouse.art
See my day-to-day Art Adventures on Instagram: StudioDeanna