Japanese Woodblock Print Workshop Book Review

I was looking at this book on and off and kept passing on it.  Have you ever had something you were interested in but weren't sure exactly why?  I kept looking at so I decided that I had to order it.  I just think that the cover was calling to me even though I knew that I probably wasn't going to need most of the information in the book.  I was drawn to order Japanese Woodblock Print Workshop: A Modern Guide to the Ancient Art of Mokuhanga by April J. Vollmer to find out what it was about.  At least then I could stop starring at it!!

An inspirational how-to course on Japanese woodblock printing's history and techniques, with guidance on materials and studio practices, step-by-step demonstrations, and examples of finished works by modern masters of the medium as well as historic pieces.
 
A Modern Guide to the Ancient Art of mokuhanga

An increasingly popular yet age-old art form, Japanese woodblock printing (mokuhanga) is embraced for its non-toxic character, use of handmade materials, and easy integration with other printmaking techniques. In this comprehensive guide, artist and printmaker April Vollmer—one of the best known mokuhanga practitioners and instructors in the West—combines her deep knowledge of this historic printmaking practice with expert step-by-step instruction, guidance on materials and studio practices, and a diverse collection of prints by leading contemporary artists. At once practical and inspirational, this handbook is as useful to serious printmakers and artists as it is to creative people drawn
to Japanese history and aesthetics.

I think that this book was very interesting because it showed the work that can be done whether more modern works of art or the classic Asian art works.  It provided tons of examples including how the art work was printed and used with other media like an x-ray.  There were some beautiful pictures of the art work.  There was also step by step instructions on how to make the wood blocks with details on the wood and information about the ink and colors to use with the process.  It was fascinating and I learned a lot about the process....not that I am going to try any time soon but super cool to follow the process.  I hope that you check it out at your local library or bookstore and see if it is something you might want to pick up and read.  I know that I learned a lot and can't wait to see more of this fascinating art work!

** I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.  All opinions here are my own.