I look at the woodblocks as my woodblock paintings. Adopting from China, Japan metamorphosed this technique (called Mokuhanga in. As an artist, I learn everything about the language I work in, taking the vocabulary and making it my own. Chinese ink was water-based, excellent for printing from woodblocks. What intrigues me most about the hand-printing process is that it is all about touch. The more I learned about the moku hanga process, the more I moved away from traditional Western style relief printing. I am physically involved with the control of each step during printing: I can apply ink to a specific area or the entire block I can blend colors to create a gradation or modulate the subtlety of tone I can adjust the pressure and texture of the baren to create different effects I can print using multiple blocks to add detail and depth to a smaller area. The mechanics of the process are simple, yet labor intensive, as every step is completely manual. Moku (wood) hanga (print) is a Japanese printmaking technique distinguished by its simplicity of material: wood, carving tool, water, paper, pigment, rice paste and baren. I see the gift of knowledge from former masters not as a dictum of the process, but rather as a springboard for my own creativity. Born from the traditional craft of creating Japanese Ukiyo-e prints, it is a technique that can be adapted to suit a range of abilities and allows for a wide range of creative possibilities.
There was a great tradition of creativity and innovation in Japanese printmaking during the 18th and 19th centuries. This is a water-based method of printmaking that has gained popularity across the globe. Japanese woodblocks, particularly the work of Hasui Kawase and Hiroshi Yoshida-both considered masters of the Shin-hanga movementhave inspired and influenced my work. The INK and the GRAIN International Artist | April/May 2023 Using the Japanese moku hanga technique, Leon Loughridge creates rich woodblock prints of the American Southwest - Leon Loughridge
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