Jacek Machowski : Printmaker - On The Edge Of Abstraction

When it comes to immersing oneself in the understanding of mokuhanga, Jacek Machowski is dedicated to constantly deepening his knowledge and practice of the art form. His exploration of mokuhanga is both inspiring and dynamic, as he continually shares, creates, and evolves his expertise and approach to this wonderful art form.

 

I speak with mokuhanga printmaker, educator, and mokuhanga explorer Jacek Machowski. Jacek’s work is a blend of experimentation, tradition, and excitement. We discuss his journey into mokuhanga, his deep dive into its history, techniques, and philosophies, and how he has dedicated himself to uncovering the intricacies of the art form. Jacek also shares insights into his process of making and testing his own tools, continually pushing their boundaries. Additionally, we explore his own mokuhanga prints, the choices behind his artistic methods, and the workshop he leads.

 

I would like to thank Jacek’s translator , Małgorzata Ptasiński, for her invaluable help with translation. In this episode, you’ll notice that Jacek’s voice is intermittent, with Gosia speaking for most of the discussion. This approach was chosen to ensure smoother listening and a better flow.

 

Please follow The Unfinished Print and my own mokuhanga work on Instagram @andrezadoroznyprints or email me at [e-mail]

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.

Jacek Machowski - wesbite,  Etsy, Instagram YouTube 

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Sakeda - Senjafuda (2023) 1.97" x 5.90" 

senjafuda - are votive slips attributed to Buddhism in Japan. This slips of paper were pasted on temples in Japan. The worshippers name was written on the senjafuda in order for people to see that they had visited said shrine. The paper senjafuda were popular in the Edo Period (1603-1868). Tokyo and Kyoto senjafuda had various differences. 

ex-libris - a decorative label or stamp placed inside a book to indicate its ownership. Usually features the owner’s name, initials, or a personalized design, often with artistic or symbolic elements that reflect the owner's personality, interests, or profession.

MI Lab - is a mokuhanga artists residency located in Kawaguchi-ko, near Mount Fuji. More info can be found, 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. 

binder - refers to the substance which holds pigment particles together and adheres them to a surface, such as paper, wood, or canvas, for prints or paints. The binder transforms dry pigments into a usable medium and also makes them more durable.

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.

linocut -A linocut is a relief or block print type, similar to woodblock printing. The artist carves an image into a linoleum block, printing what's left. 

intaglio printing - is a printing method, also called etching, using metal plates such as zinc, and copper, creating “recessed” areas which are printed with ink on the surface of these "recesses.” More info, here. The MET has info, here.  

mica - in mokuhanga, mica (kirazuri) is used to add a shimmering, reflective effect to prints. Mica powder is typically mixed with glue and applied to the surface of the print in areas where a subtle sparkle or luminous texture is desired, often to highlight details such as clothing, water, or the sky. This technique gives the print a luxurious quality and enhances the visual depth. Historically, mica was used in ukiyo-e prints to elevate the status of the work, and it continues to be used by contemporary printmakers for its unique aesthetic appeal.

kirazuri -  is a technique in woodblock printing using mica to add a sheen to the print. Mokuhanga artist Marcia Guetschow has written about kirazuri on her website, here. 

David Bull - is a Canadian woodblock printmaker, and educator who lives and works in Japan. His love of mokuhanga has almost singlehandedly promoted the art form around the world. His company, Mokuhankan, has a brick and mortar store in Asakusa, Tōkyō, and online, here. 

Forest In Spring (2008) 

Wojciech Tylbor-Kubrakiewicz - a part of the Faculty of Graphics of the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw. His work focuses on everyday life, travel and memory. His works are in intaglio, relief such as mokuhanga, and serigraphy. 

Augenblick 70 x 100 cm (2023) linocut

Tomasz Kawełczyk - is a mokuhanga artist and deputy dean at the Faculty of Fine Arts of the Academy of Fine Arts in Łódź, Poland. He is also a lecturer and organizer of workshops. Tomasz has also worked in mokuhanga as well as holding workshops accompanying the "Road to Edo," held at the National Museum in Warsaw from February 25 - May 7, 2017. His work in mokuhanga has been focused on creating prints by using local tools and materials found in Poland. 

Dariusz Kaca - is a relief printmaker and professor at the Academy of Fine arts  in Łódź, Poland. He works in linocut and mokuhanga. 

Nocturn I - 40cm x 40cm, linocut

Marta Bożyk - lecturer and researcher at the Academy of Fine Arts in Krakow, Poland.

 

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opening and closing credit -Ruby My Dear as performed by Roy Hargrove, originally by Thelonius Monk. (1990) RCA 

logo designed and produced by Douglas Batchelor and André Zadorozny 

Disclaimer: Please do not reproduce or use anything from this podcast without shooting me an email and getting my express written or verbal consent. I'm friendly :)

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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.***