Terry's 3-Book Set for Mokuhanga (Woodblock Printing)

1. Creative Printmaking – Intermediate Woodblock Printing

Description

In this book, Terry McKenna of the Karuizawa Woodblock Print School shows how creative design, transfer, wood carving, and printing techniques can bring greater complexity and visual appeal to contemporary woodblock prints, elevating the art form to a new level. Packed with insights you won’t find in other woodblock printing guides, it’s a must-have for artists eager to improve their skills and produce exciting modern work.

Spanning 250 pages and featuring over 600 photographs and 20 illustrations, this volume takes you step by step through engaging design, transfer, carving, and printing processes. It also includes chapters on carving stamps, sharpening tools, and case studies of contemporary woodblock artists, expanding your knowledge into fresh and innovative directions.

Author: Terry McKenna

After studying woodblock printing under Richard Steiner in Kyoto, Terry received the name “Tōraku” from Steiner upon completing his training, signifying his status as an independent master. Splitting his time between Australia and Japan, Terry has taught the craft and techniques of woodblock printing to countless people. He currently runs a studio in Karuizawa, where students can immerse themselves in residence-based learning.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Design
3. Transfer
4. Kyōgō (preparation stage)
5. Washi (Japanese paper)
6. Sharp Tools
7. Wood Carving Skills
8. Printing Skills
9. Integration
10. Case Studies
11. Color
12. Stamps
13. Appendix

Specifications

• 250 pages, over 600 photographs, and 20 hand-drawn illustrations
• Publication Date: October 2021
• ISBN: 978-4-9912-0792-1

2. Sharp Tools – The Key to Improving Woodblock Carving

Description

In his third special-edition book, Terry McKenna of the Karuizawa Woodblock Print School focuses on a crucial yet often troublesome aspect of woodblock printing: sharpening carving chisels. With sections dedicated to Dōbhamono’s original whetstones, such as “Mini HisCare” and “Dia Care,” Terry personally visited the company to conduct in-depth research for this publication. You may never have seen such comprehensive explanations on sharpening techniques compiled into a single volume!

Author: Terry McKenna

After studying woodblock printing under Richard Steiner in Kyoto, Terry received the name “Tōraku” from Steiner upon completing his training, signifying his status as an independent master. Splitting his time between Australia and Japan, Terry has taught the craft and techniques of woodblock printing to countless people. He currently runs a studio in Karuizawa, where students can immerse themselves in residence-based learning.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. General Process
3. Tool Structure
4. Flat Blades
5. Gouges
6. V-Gouges
7. Other Tools
8. Whetstone Care
9. Appendix

Specifications

• 82 pages, filled with rich photographs and illustrations
• Publication Date: July 2022
• ISBN: 978-4-9912-0793-8

3. The Fundamentals of Woodblock Printing – Core Skills for Success in Your First Japanese Woodblock Print

Description

Terry McKenna, an Australian-born woodblock printmaker currently based in Karuizawa, presents this foundational guide that collects his wealth of experience into one essential volume—developed during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. A collaborative project with Dōbhamono, this first installment, Fundamentals, is entirely in English, making it highly recommended for fans of Japanese woodblock printing around the globe. Terry’s clear explanations and abundant information ensure that readers will enjoy learning the art of woodblock printing.

Author: Terry McKenna

After studying woodblock printing under Richard Steiner in Kyoto, Terry received the name “Tōraku” from Steiner upon completing his training, signifying his status as an independent master. Splitting his time between Australia and Japan, Terry has taught the craft and techniques of woodblock printing to countless people. He currently runs a studio in Karuizawa, where students can immerse themselves in residence-based learning.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Design
3. Woodblocks
4. Carving Step 1
5. Groove Carving
6. Finishing Carving
7. Washi (Japanese Paper)
8. Preparing to Print
9. Basic Printing
10. Edition Printing
11. Key Block
12. Goma-zuri (Sesame Printing)
13. Next Steps
14. Appendix

Specifications

• 160 pages, over 400 photographs, and 35 hand-drawn illustrations
• Publication Date: July 2022
• ISBN: 978-4-9912-0790-7

These three books by Terry McKenna offer invaluable insights for anyone aiming to deepen their understanding of modern Japanese woodblock printing—whether you are a complete beginner or looking to refine advanced techniques. Enjoy exploring the rich world of woodblock printmaking!