Hiroki Morinoue - Printmaker: The Philosophy of The Past
Release Date: 02/05/2024
Wuon-Gean Ho - Printmaker : A Small Seed Of Intention
The Unfinished Print
When creating mokuhanga, one requires time – time to prepare, time to plan, and time to explore. The essence of the work emerges from this delicate balance of managing one's time and integrating life within mokuhanga. In this episode of 'The Unfinished Print,' I have the pleasure of speaking with printmaker Wuon-Gean Ho. Wuon-Gean approaches her mokuhanga with a keen focus on work-life balance, emphasizing creation not at the expense of life but as a means to enrich and enhance it. Join me as we delve into Wuon Gean's unique perspective on mokuhanga, how it skillfully blends with her...
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David Barker of The Muban Educational Trust
The Unfinished Print
Several years ago, a book caught my eye, called "Lu Xun’s Legacy". Published by the Muban Educational Trust, a non-profit dedicated to the preservation of woodblock art in China and located in London, England, it opened my eyes to Chinese woodblock prints. Reading the book, I realized how little I knew about printmaking, woodblock or otherwise, from China. All I really knew was that Japanese woodblock has roots within Chinese printmaking and I was curious as to how that transpired. Today, I speak with Senior Research Fellow at the Muban Educational Trust, David Barker. David’s interests...
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Jack Moranetz - Printmaker : Evolve Next
The Unfinished Print
Embarking on the journey into the world of mokuhanga, each of us starts with a unique desire. It begins with early prints, guided by exploration, and the innate desire to create something—anything—all viewed through the prism of mokuhanga, shaping our voices in this captivating journey. In this episode of the Unfinished Print, I speak with the burgeoning mokuhanga printmaker Jack Moranetz. We discuss how he got involved in the art form, his early prints, his visit to Japan and meeting David Bull, collaborations, and how he approaches his printmaking. ...
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Hiroki Morinoue - Printmaker: The Philosophy of The Past
The Unfinished Print
On this episode I have the pleasure of speaking with Hiroki Morinoue, an artist who resides and creates on the Big Island in Hawai'i. Together, we delve into his personal journey with mokuhanga, reflecting on his experiences at MI Lab, exploring his unique color palette, and gaining insights into his meticulous process in crafting mokuhanga prints. Additionally, we uncover Hiroki’s life in Hawai'i, his ventures, and his relationships with prominent galleries such as Studio 7 Fine Arts, print studio’s like Shark’s Ink, and the arts center at Anderson Ranch. Please follow The Unfinished...
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Henry Smith PhD - Physical Chemistry
The Unfinished Print
In this episode of The Unfinished Print, I speak with Henry Smith, Professor Emeritus in the Dept. of East Asian Languages & Cultures at Columbia University. Together we delve into the scientific aspects of Meiji woodblock prints, exploring the trajectory of Nishiki-e during the late Edo and Meiji eras. Additionally, we examine the significance of cochineal and naphthol dyes, and scrutinize particle sizes. Henry's scholarly contributions include groundbreaking articles on subjects such as Hokusai and the Blue Revolution, with the introduction of Prussian Blue to the Japanese...
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Tuula Moilanen - Printmaker : Life Is An Experiment
The Unfinished Print
When it comes to the idea of longevity, my guest on this episode of The Unfinished Print has just that: the hard work and sacrifice to make a career in making mokuhanga, bringing the art form to people worldwide. Today I speak with mokuhanga printmaker, graphic designer, and writer, Tuula Moilanen. Currently living in Finland, Tuula has made mokuhanga for almost 40 years and has been an essential part of the worldwide mokuhanga community, teaching, instructing and overseeing the art form’s growth. Tuula speaks about her twenty years in Japan, her teachers, and how she...
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Hellory - Printmaker: Each Line Will Have Its Own Life
The Unfinished Print
It’s been said before, yet I feel it’s worth repeating that when making mokuhanga, you don’t make it alone. So many people influence us that it may be difficult to pinpoint who or what impacts our creative lives the most. In this episode of the Unfinished Print I speak with mokuhanga printmaker Hellory. Based in Italy, Hellory makes multi-colour mokuhanga with luxury techniques. She learned these techniques from her mentor, Giovanni Berio Ligustro. We discuss the intertwined artistic lives of Hellory and Ligustro. What learning from a mentor was like, what studying...
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Darrel C. Karl - Collector : A Responsibility of Stewardship
The Unfinished Print
As a collector of mokuhanga, I am constantly exploring the reasons behind my love of collecting mokuhanga and why I make it and educate myself about it; it seems to be layered, even for my modest collection. So it is always fascinating to speak to someone who has been collecting for many years, with a deep understanding of why they collect and how they do. I speak with mokuhanga collector Darrel C. Karl about his collection of prints, paintings and scrolls. It's one to admire. Collecting for years now, Darrel was kind enough to speak to me about his collection, how he began it,...
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Gaston Petit - Printmaker/Author : The Most Important Thing Is To Do Something
The Unfinished Print
A few years ago, I was recommended a book called Evolving Techniques in Japanese Woodblock Prints. Written by Gaston Petit, it was a new book for me. Going through it, I realized how forward-thinking it was; even though it had been published in 1977, its instruction is still relevant today. It was fascinating how it approached woodblock printmaking, taking it into the future. On this episode of the Unfinished Print, I speak with printmaker and author of Evolving Techniques In Japanese Woodblock Prints, Gaston Petit. We discuss how he got to write the book, interviewing some...
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John Resig - Digital Humanities
The Unfinished Print
When making mokuhanga and producing The Unfinished Print, I have looked towards various online tools for research and inspiration. One of these tools is ukiyo-e.org. A Japanese woodblock print database which collects and archives woodblock print collections from around the world. John Resig is the chief software architect at the who, in 2013, for his love of mokuhanga and the Japanese woodblock print, and through his own collection, developed ukiyo-e.org. Those researching, collecting, and making mokuhanga can explore some of the best Japanese print collections at the click...
info_outlinePlease follow The Unfinished Print and my own mokuhanga work on Instagram @andrezadoroznyprints or email me at [email protected]
Notes: may contain a hyperlink. Simply click on the highlighted word or phrase.
Artists works follow after the note if available. Pieces are mokuhanga unless otherwise noted. Dimensions are given if known. Print publishers are given if known.
Hiroki Morinoue -
Pure Water (2001) 18.5"x38.5"
High Tide (2012) 22"x30"
Earth Cycle (2007) 37.5"x37"
Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill - occurred in 2010 in the Gulf of Mexico. It was one of the largest environmental disasters in history. The spill resulted from the explosion of the Deepwater Horizon offshore drilling rig, releasing millions of barrels of oil into the Gulf. The incident had severe ecological and economic consequences, impacting marine life, coastal ecosystems, and local economies along the Gulf Coast.
Thai mulberry paper - also known as "saa paper" or "kozo paper," is a traditional handmade paper originating from Thailand. It is crafted from the bark of the mulberry tree, specifically the Broussonetia papyrifera tree.
Shark's Ink - established in 1976 as Shark’s Lithography Ltd, the studio has partnered with over 160 distinguished artists from the United States and Europe. These artists, known for their strong personal visions, engage in ongoing collaborations, often returning for multiple projects. The resulting prints, marked by inventive techniques, encompass a wide range of artistic approaches. The studio employs various processes, including lithography, monotype, metal leaf, chine collé, embossing, collage, and innovative methods for woodblocks and relief prints, including three-dimensional lithographs. More info, here.
nori - is a type of paste made from starch. It is used when making mokuhanga. You can make nori from any type of material made from starch. For instance, paste can be made with tapioca, rice, corn, even potato. You can purchase nori pretty much anywhere but making it is more environmentally friendly. Laura Boswell has a great recipe, here.
embossing - refers to a technique where the paper is pressed into the carved woodblocks, creating a raised or textured effect on the printed surface. This technique adds a three-dimensional quality to the print by making certain areas of the paper slightly elevated.
Gotō Hidehiko (b.1953) - is a mokuhanga printmaker and tool maker based in Japan. He makes and teaches seminars about the construction of the mokuhanga tool, the baren.
Window (2011) 15"x12"
gomazuri - is a mokuhanga technique where slight pressure is used with pigments too make a “spotty” image, what look like sesame seeds. It can add depth to your prints.
Saitō Kiyoshi (1907-1997) - was a Japanese woodblock printmaker and artist who worked in the sōsaku hanga style of mokuhanga. HIs fame outside of Japan was fairly comprehensive with his peak fame being in the 1950’s and 1960’s. For a comprehensive book on his life and times, Saitō Kiyoshi: Graphic Awakening published by The John & Mable Ringling Museum is an excellent source. Can be found, here. Lecture by Dr. Paget about Saitō can be found, here. My interview with Professor Paget can be found, here.
Winter in Aizu (1969) 18"x23.5"
Richard Notkin - is an American ceramic artist known for his pottery and distinctive style that often incorporates political and social commentary. Notkin has gained recognition for his work in the field of ceramics, particularly his teapots.
Meltdown of Reason: Helena MT. (1987) stoneware and porcelain. 10.5"x5.5"x4.5"
Mayumi Oda - is a Buddhist teacher and artist based in Hawai’i. Her artwork has gained international recognition, having traveled worldwide. In addition to her artistic pursuits, Mayumi is an environmental activist and resides and works at Ginger Hill Farm, an eco-retreat on the Big Island of Hawai’i. Explore more about Mayumi Oda’s work, here.
Hands of Compassion (1986) screen print 37"x25"
Andrew Wyeth (1917-2009) - was a renowned American realist painter, known for his detailed and emotive depictions of the rural American landscape. Born in Pennsylvania, he spent much of his life capturing the subtleties of nature, particularly in the Brandywine Valley and coastal Maine.
opening and closing musical credit - The September Of My Years (1965) from the album The September Of My Years released on Reprise Records.
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***The opinions expressed by guests in The Unfinished Print podcast are not necessarily those of André Zadorozny and of Popular Wheat Productions.***