The Unfinished Print : A Mokuhanga Podcast

Andre Zadorozny
  • 4.9 (16)
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The Unfinished Print is a podcast dedicated to exploring the art of Japanese woodblock printing, or mokuhanga. It offers an in-depth look at the printmakers, carvers, gallerists, and collectors involved in this unique art form. Through interviews, Andre Zadorozny, a mokuhanga printmaker himself, delves into what mokuhanga means to so many people.

  1. 6d ago

    Aafke Ytsma - Printmaker : Subconscious Worlds

    One of the things that I have observed about mokuhanga printmakers is that they are always striving to get better in their practice. Mokuhanga is a printmaking medium that challenges the maker in many different ways, and navigating those challenges through hard work and experimentation can ultimately be a very rewarding experience. On this episode of The Unfinished Print, a mokuhanga podcast, I speak with Aafke Ytsma, a printmaker currently splitting her time between Germany and the Netherlands. Aafke is a full-time artist who pushes the possibilities of what one can do with mokuhanga. We discuss how and why Aafke makes such large prints, and how watercolour influences her work. Aafke tells me about her love for the prints of the sōsaku-hanga movement and how they inspire her own practice. We also talk about the risks and rewards of being a full-time artist, crowdfunding and grants. Aafke goes into detail about how she makes her prints through mark-making, and how that process shapes her work. Please follow The Unfinished Print and my own mokuhanga work on Instagram @andrezadoroznyprints or email me theunfinishedprint@gmail.com 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. Aafke Ytsma - website, Instagram Slidingdoor (2023) 28.5 cm  x 39 cm Sabuchan (2024),  98 cm x 68 cm from the series Summer Autumn Prints  *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-WEB:1a65a31d-5afd-4213-9243-68186ffb66b0-0" data-turn-id-container= "request-WEB:1a65a31d-5afd-4213-9243-68186ffb66b0-0" data-testid= "conversation-turn-2" data-turn="assistant"> div:has([data-free-thinking-preview-answer=true])+:is(.text-message,.relative:has(>.text-message))]:-mt-2 grow"> Rijksmuseum — The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam is the Netherlands' national museum, with a collection spanning more than 800 years of Dutch art and history. It is particularly known for its holdings of works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Frans Hals, and other major Dutch artists, as well as its extensive collection of prints, drawings, photography, and decorative arts. More info, here. More info, here.  Art Collective Schaum — Schaum is an art collective focused on contemporary artistic practice and collaboration. The collective brings artists together around shared interests in experimentation, exhibition-making, and developing work outside more traditional institutional structures. More info, here.  Kitaro Paper — Kitaro is a Japanese paper from Echizen, Japan and is associated with traditional papermaking and the production of papers suitable for fine art and mokuhanga. Its papers are valued for qualities such as strength, absorbency, surface character, and their ability to withstand the demands of techniques such as woodblock printing. More info, here.  Mondriaan Fund — The Mondriaan Fund is the public fund for visual art and cultural heritage in the Netherlands. It supports artists, institutions, curators, and other cultural organizations through grants and programs intended to encourage artistic development, international exchange, exhibitions, and public engagement. More info, here.  David Hockney (1937-2026) — was a British artist whose career has encompassed painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, stage design, and digital art. Associated particularly with the Pop Art movement of the 1960s, Hockney is known for his vivid depictions of landscapes, swimming pools, interiors, and everyday life, as well as his continued experimentation with new technologies and media. A Bigger Splash (1967) 242.5 cm x 243.9 cm - acrylic Liquitex on a white cotton duck canvas  Elise Wessels — Elise Wessels (1943–2023) was a Dutch collector and patron of Japanese prints whose collection, known as Nihon no Hanga, became one of the most important collections of 20th-century Japanese printmaking outside Japan. Beginning in the 1980s, she collected both sōsaku-hanga and shin-hanga, eventually building an exceptionally comprehensive collection. She founded the private museum Nihon no Hanga in Amsterdam in 2009, and in 2022 donated more than 1,100 prints to the Rijksmuseum. Maureen de Vries -  was the curator of the Nihon no Hanga museum in Amsterdam. Her interview with the Unfinished Print can be found, here.  bokashi - is a mokuhanga technique, where the pigment fades from a heavy colour to a softer, broad colour. Made famous by prints designed by Hokusai and Hiroshige, this technique is, for me, the most popular technique utilized by  mokuhanga printmakers. There are various types: Ichimoji-bokashi or straight line graduation, used in the above mentioned Hiroshige and Hokusai prints. Ichimoji-mura-bokashi or straight line gradation with uneven edge. Ō-bokashi or wide gradation, Ate-nashi-bokashi or gradation without definition. Futa-iro-bokashi or two tone gradation, and ita-bokashi or softer-edge gradation, where the block is cut in a specific way to achieve this style of gradation. All of these styles of bokashi technique take practice and skill but are very much doable. Below is a fine example of bokashi by the printer of this Hiroshige print -     Hiroshige (1797-1858), Shono ,(1832-1833)  from The Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido 22.9 cm × 35.6 cm    SieboldHuis — The SieboldHuis is a museum in Leiden, Netherlands, dedicated to Japanese art, culture, and history. Housed in the former residence of Philipp Franz Balthasar von Siebold, the German physician and Japan scholar who lived in Japan in the 19th century, the museum displays objects from his extensive collection, including prints, paintings, ceramics, lacquerware, maps, and natural-history specimens. It provides an important connection between Japan and the Netherlands and regularly presents exhibitions exploring Japanese art and culture. More info, here.    Kawanishi Hide (1894–1965) — Kawanishi Hide was a self-taught sōsaku-hanga artist who lived and worked throughout his life in Kobe. Inspired by Yamamoto Kanae, he began making woodblock prints in the early 20th century and became an important figure in the creative print movement, exhibiting with the Japan Creative Print Association from 1923. His work is particularly associated with the port city of Kobe, which provided many of his subjects, and is distinguished by bold, vivid colours, simplified forms, and his deliberate avoidance of black outlines. He often used a rounded chisel to soften the edges of his forms, giving his prints a distinctive, almost graphic quality.     Sunset (?) 12.5 cm x 15 cm    Gotō Hidehiko - is a master baren maker and printmaker based in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. His interview with The Unfinished Print can be found here. More into at the  Baren Kikuhide website.     Beyond The Night (1995) 55.5 × 40 cm   passe-partout  - is the French word for picture mat for framing.    Daniel Kelly - is a visual artist and printmaker based in Kyoto, Japan. Daniel Kelly has shown all over the world, and is many museum collections as well. More information can be found, here. Daniel's interview with The Unfinished Print can be found, here.      Thief (2026) 96 × 66 cm - chine-collé & mokuhanga   gomazuri - is a mokuhanga technique where slight pressure is used with pigments to make a "spotty" image, what look like sesame seeds. It can add depth to your prints. Historically it was seen as a lack of printing proificiency.      Night, Light, Rain (2024) 29 cm x 43.5 cm by Terry McKenna. Notice the gomazrui in the blue circle.    hon baren - a top of the line hand made baren made by craftsmen in Japan. It comes in different strands, 8, 12, and 16. Can be order from Gotō Hidehiko, here.     baren suji zuri - is a mokuhanga technique used with the baren and by the baren to create a circular design and can be layered with various colours. A more detailed description of baren suji zuri can be found, here at woodblock.com      © Popular Wheat Productions Opening and closing musical credit - There Is No Greater Love by Chet Baker (1965)  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 :)  Слава Українi  If you find any issue with something in the show notes please let me know. ***The opinions expressed by guests in The Unfinished Print: A Mokuhanga Podcast are not necessarily those of André Zadorozny and of Popular Wheat Productions.***

  2. Sep 17

    Paul Denhoed - Paper Educator & Paper Maker : The Economy of Scale

    For the past few years, I have begun to study Japanese washi in my own time. As a mokuhanga printmaker, and through The Unfinished Print, I have been taught to see Japanese washi in many different ways: how it is made, how it is used, and, more importantly for me, how people view this indelible medium in our mokuhanga practice. I speak with Paul Denhoed, a paper researcher and papermaker based in Japan. I had the opportunity to attend a few of Paul's lectures here in Toronto at the Japanese Paper Place, and I came away from those lectures intrigued and wanting to learn more about Japanese washi. Paul discusses his work in Japan helping to make washi, what the term washi means, and how the different paper producers in Japan work—and don't work—together. Paul shares his experiences with Richard Flavin, and Hiroaki Imai. We look at how these experiences shaped his work today and continue to shape his work into tomorrow. We also go into detail about kōzo and one of the key ingredients in Japanese washi, neri: how it is used and how it helps create beautiful washi. Please follow The Unfinished Print and my own mokuhanga work on Instagram @andrezadoroznyprints or email me theunfinishedprint@gmail.com 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. Paul Denhoed - Instagram Washi Academy - is the organization where Paul Denhoed works with Oguni Washi to offer immursive workshps for those interested in seeing traditional Japanese paper making in person. More info can be found, here. Instagram  Paper Talk - is a podcast hosted by paper artist and author Helen Hiebert, who explores how paper is used in many facets of the arts around the world. Her episode with Paul Denhoed can be found, here.  The Art and Craft of Paper by Faith Shannon - is the book referred to in my interview with Paul Denhoed. Faith Shannon (1938-2018) was born in India in 1938 and studied painting and bookbinding at the Belfast College of Art before continuing her studies at the Central School of Arts and Crafts and the Royal College of Art in London. A prominent bookbinder and educator, she taught bookbinding at Brighton Polytechnic, served as President of Designer Bookbinders, and published Paper Pleasures (later The Art and Craft of Paper) in 1987. Shannon worked primarily on commissioned bindings for collectors and presentations, approaching each book as a unique combination of materials, design, craftsmanship, and artistic interpretation. How "washi" is made - here is a video to get you started on your paper journey. It goes into detail about how Japanese paper is made. It was produced by Japanese Industry Process in August, 2026. You can find the video, here.  Richard Flavin (1943-2020) - was a printmaker, papermaker, letterpress printer, and artist with a strong interest in Japan, particularly traditional culture, and utilitarian antiques. He was committed to Japanese hand papermaking and woodcut printmaking. More info, here.   Richard Flavin Washi House - can be found, here.    Oguni Washi - is a traditional Japanese paper from Niigata Prefecture, deeply connected to the snowy landscapes of Japan's "snow country." Recognized as an Intangible Cultural Treasure by Japan and Niigata Prefecture, Oguni Washi is distinguished by a unique process in which the paper is buried beneath snow until spring. As the snow melts, the paper is brought into the sunlight, resulting in a lustrous, pristine finish. This distinctive approach reflects the relationship between local climate, traditional papermaking knowledge, and the enduring beauty of washi. More info, here.   Hiroaki Imai - is a papermaker and one of the people responsible for continuing the Oguni washi tradition in Niigata. He married into a papermaking family and, alongside his wife Chihiro, has continued the family's work while also teaching and demonstrating washi making in Japan and abroad. Imai has also worked to introduce younger people to papermaking through workshops and educational programs, helping to keep the knowledge and techniques of Oguni washi alive.   Seiko Musashi – Ogawa washi exporter, art program coordinator, and translator, dedicated to sharing Ogawa's washi beyond Japan. Seiko's interview with The Unfinished Print can be found, here.    senka-shi (泉貨紙) – is the paper discussed by Paul, made in Ehime Prefecture, Japan. In addition to Paul's explanation, you can read a well-written article about the paper from the Rethink Paper Project here.   The Japanese Paper Place- is a Toronto based Japanese paper store servicing the mokuhanga and arts community in Toronto and around the world for many years. Nancy Jacobi of The JPP and her interview with The Unfinished Print: A Mokuhanga Podcast can be found,  here.    heritage washi – is a term coined by The Japanese Paper Place to describe traditional Japanese handmade papers made by skilled papermakers using Japanese-grown fibres and traditional papermaking methods. The term emphasizes the importance of preserving these materials, techniques, and knowledge as part of Japan's long history of papermaking.   © Popular Wheat Productions Opening and closing musical credit - Moanin' by Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers on Blue Note (1958) 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 :)  Слава Українi  If you find any issue with something in the show notes please let me know. ***The opinions expressed by guests in The Unfinished Print: A Mokuhanga Podcast are not necessarily those of André Zadorozny and of Popular Wheat Productions.***

  3. Aug 29

    Inga Eičaitė - Printmaker : Everyone Should Have Freedom

    Blending different cultures, whether artistically or internationally, comes into play in everyone's mokuhanga. Your work is infused with your life, your city, your family, and even cultures from abroad. I personally think it's inescapable, and that's what makes mokuhanga such a beautiful medium to explore. On this episode of The Unfinished Print: A Mokuhanga Podcast, I speak with Inga Eičaitė, a mokuhanga printmaker who splits her time between London, England, and Lithuania. Inga and I discuss her mokuhanga work and what inspires her to make it, her love of anime, mixing different printmaking mediums with her mokuhanga, comparing the use of Korean hanji paper and Japanese washi, and making emakimono. We also discuss how community has become an important part of Inga's practice through art fairs, and Inga speaks about her time in Lithuania and her desire to help grow mokuhanga there. Please follow The Unfinished Print and my own mokuhanga work on Instagram @andrezadoroznyprints or email me theunfinishedprint@gmail.com 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. Inga Eičaitė - website, Instagram Angel_o18_For Shinji Ikari (2025) 36cm x 56.5cm Bauhaus (art/design) — A German art and design school founded in 1919 that combined art, craft, and architecture. It emphasized simplicity, functionality, geometric forms, and the idea that good design should be accessible and useful. Jainism — An ancient Indian religion centered on non-violence (ahimsa), compassion, self-discipline, and respect for all living beings. Jain philosophy places a strong emphasis on avoiding harm and living a spiritually disciplined life. Cowboy Bebop — A landmark Japanese anime series from 1998 that follows a group of bounty hunters travelling through a futuristic solar system. It blends science fiction, noir, Westerns, crime, and jazz, with a strong emphasis on character, atmosphere, and music. Evangelion — Neon Genesis Evangelion is a Japanese anime series from 1995 that combines mecha science fiction with psychological, philosophical, and religious themes. It follows teenagers piloting giant machines called Evangelions while confronting mysterious enemies and their own emotional struggles. MI Lab - is a mokuhanga artists residency located in Kawaguchi-ko, near Mount Fuji. More info can be found, here.    Ozu Washi - is a paper store located in the Nihonbashi district of Tokyo. website, Instagram   Jon Lee - is a mokuhanga printmaker and tool maker based in Arizona. His interview with The Unfinished Print can be found, here.    nb2203 (2025)   East London Printmakers — A London-based, artist-run printmaking studio and collective that supports artists through access to printmaking facilities, technical expertise, workshops, and a community of printmakers. It is particularly associated with contemporary and experimental approaches to printmaking. Raluca Iancu — is a Romanian-American printmaker and educator whose practice includes mokuhanga and other forms of printmaking. Raluca is an Associate Professor of Art & Visual Culture, Printmaking, at Iowa State University and serves as Vice-Chair of the International Mokuhanga Association. Her work can be found here. Overpasses 5.01 (Itoshima) (2023) Carol Wilhide Justin - is a mokuhanga printmaker based in London, England. Her work focuses on the natural world and the process of making mokuhanga. Carol's interview with The Unfinished Print can be found, here.  Meanwhile (2017) 90 cm x 60 cm Michiko Hamada - is a mokuhanga printmaker based in Japan. She is an instructor at MI Lab. Her Instagram can be found, here.  Until It Dissapears (2022) 41 cm x 47cm Chihiro Taki (b. 1988) - is a mokuhanga printmaker who lives and works in Japan. She helps to teach students at MI Lab as an instructor.  あるく日 (2015) 140cm x 100cm mokume — A Japanese woodblock printing technique in which the grain and texture of the wood are used to create a distinctive, organic pattern in the printed image. Osamu Sugiyama - 10 Views of Mt. Fuji - Moonlight over Shinobino Moor (33cm x 43cm)  hanji — Traditional Korean paper made primarily from the inner bark of the paper mulberry tree (dak). Its production involves a highly developed process of pulping, sheet formation and drying. Traditional knowledge and skills associated with hanji-making are currently being considered for inscription on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2026. Jackson's Art Supplies — A major British art-materials retailer founded in London in 2000, supplying a wide range of fine-art materials, papers, paints, brushes and specialist tools. It now has shops including locations in Dalston and Fulham. More, here.   Shepherds London — A specialist London supplier of fine papers, bookbinding materials and related craft supplies, particularly known for high-quality and handmade papers used by artists, printers, bookbinders and designers. More info, here. Jacek Machowski - is a prolific mokuhanga printmaker based in Poland. Jacek explores mokuhanga in all its dimensions, testing and making tools, as well as collaborating with other printmakers. His interiview with The Unfinished Print can be found, here.  More info for Jacek can be found, here.  Matthew Willie Garcia — is a printmaker whose practice includes mokuhanga, screen printing, projection mapping, animation, and large-scale installation. His colourful and distinctive work explores queer identity, often using ideas of time, space, science fiction, and the universe as points of departure. At the time of this writing, Matthew was the Grant Wood Printmaking Fellow at the University of Iowa, where he held the fellowship from 2024–2025. His interview with The Unfinished Print can be found here. More information about Matthew and his work can be found, here.  Betazuri (ベタ摺り) — a mokuhanga printing technique in which a large, solid area of colour or ink is printed evenly across the paper, rather than using the woodgrain or leaving areas unprinted. It is often used for backgrounds or broad areas of flat colour.     © Popular Wheat Productions logo designed and produced by Douglas Batchelor and André Zadorozny  Introduction music while working - Ramsey Lewis Trio - Summer Breeze (1974) & Charlie Parker - Summertime (1949) 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 :) The opinions expressed by guests on The Unfinished Print: A Mokuhanga Podcast do not necessarily represent the opinions or beliefs of André Zadorozny.

  4. Jul 25

    Melissa Schulenberg - Printmaker : A Beautiful Jump

    Producers of mokuhanga prints who also teach art at the academic level have always intrigued me. The balance between the solitary work of a printmaker and the responsibilities of teaching a wide range of artistic disciplines must be both complex and, at times, challenging. It raises questions such as: How much of my own creative journey can I pursue while also dedicating myself to students who look to me for guidance as both an artist and a teacher? On this episode of The Unfinished Print: A Mokuhanga Podcast, I speak with Melissa Schulenburg—an independent printmaker, member of the Mokuhanga Sisters collective, and Charles A. Dana Professor of Art & Art History at St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York. Our interview explores Melissa's work as both an educator and a practicing mokuhanga printmaker. We discuss the role of tradition in her practice, how her visits to Japan, participation in MI-LAB, and involvement with the Mokuhanga Sisters have shaped her artistic development. We also take a look inside her printmaking toolbox, discussing the papers, pigments, and tools she relies on, as well as her deep connection to nature and the influence it has on her work. Please follow The Unfinished Print and my own mokuhanga work on Instagram @andrezadoroznyprints or email me theunfinishedprint@gmail.com 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. Melissa Schulenberg - Instagram  note* Melissa's website is under construction at the time of publishing. harimaze-e (貼交絵) is a format of mokuhanga that was particularly popular during Japan's Edo period (1603–1868). It consists of a single sheet of paper onto which multiple separate images were designed and printed. These compositions could include individual scenes arranged together on one sheet, sometimes functioning as diptychs or triptychs. Harimaze-e were commonly produced in a chūban format, measuring approximately 24.8 × 36.3 cm. Cutout Pictures of The Tōkaidō Road (1848-49), Published by Ibaya Senzaburō (Dansendō), 26.5 cm x 39cm.  The Adachi Institute of Woodblock Prints - is a print studio located in Tōkyō. Established in 1994 in order to promote and preserve the colour woodblock print of Japan. More information, in English and in Japanese.    MI Lab - is a mokuhanga artists residency located in Awatabe Town, Echizen City, Fukui, Japan.  More info can be found, here.    floating kentō - is like the traditional kentō registration technique but is carved on an "L" shaped piece of wood, and not onto the wood block.    Shōichi Kitamura - is a woodblock carver and printmaker based in Kyoto, Japan. Shoichi has been involved in MI Lab through his demonstrations on carving. More info can be found, here.    Bravery Matched With The Twelve (Zodiac) Signs by Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1798-1861) - A Modern Edition (ca. 2017) 4" x 11.4"  carved by Shōichi Kitamura    International Mokuhanga Association Conference - is a conference dedicated to mokuhanga which started in 2011 by the International Mokuhanga Association. Each conference is themed.  More information can be found, here.   The Mokuhanga Sisters - are a mokuhanga collective consisting of Yoonmi Nam, Mariko Jesse, Lucy May Schofield, Melissa Schulenberg, Kate MacDonagh, Katie Baldwin, Mia-O, Patty Hudak, and Natasha Norman. More info, here, and here.    Snake and Moon - was a print project created and assembled by The Mokuhanga Sisters in 2025. 9 individual prints created with red sumi ink from Nara, Japan and assembled in a decorative box. More info can be found, here.    Tuula Moilanen - is a Finnish mokuhanga printmaker and painter based in Finland. She lived and studied in Kyōto from 1989 to 2012, where she learned her printmaking at Kyōto Seika University and from printmaker Akira Kurosaki (1937–2019). Her work can be found here. Her interview with The Unfinished Print: A Mokuhanga Podcast can be found here.   Dream Seller (2012) Ed. 22 25cm x 35cm    Keiko Kadota (1942-2017) - was the director of Nagasawa Art Park at Awaji City from 1997-2011, and then of MI Lab at Lake Kawaguchi from 2011 until her passing.   Tōsai Pigment Paste - is a brand of pigments manufactured by Holbein, Japan. They were conceived by mokuhanga printmaker Richard Steiner. Tōsai is the name given to Richard by his teacher. Richard's invteriew with The Unfinished Print can be found, here.   Masaban - was a Mokuhanga Sisters exhibtion exhibited in Echizen, Japan in 2024 during the 2024 International Mokuhanga Association Conference held in Echizen that year. More info, here.    Katie Baldwin -  is a contemporary mokuhanga printmaker, illustrator, book maker, and artist based in Huntsville, Alabama.  Her work can be found, here. Her interview with The Unfinished Print can be found, here.    April, woodblock (2007) 17" x 25"   Utagawa Hiroshige (1797-1858) - born in Edo, Hiroshige is famous for his landscape series of that burgeoning city. The most famous series being, One Hundred Famous Views of Edo (1856-1859), and the landcape series, Fifty-Three Stations of the Tōkaidō (1833-1834). His work highlights bokashi, and bright colours. More info about his work can be found, here.    Returning Sails at Otoro from Eight Superb Views of Kanazawa (mid-1830's) 11.6 cm × 17 cm   Ralph Kiggell (1960-2022) -  was one of the most important mokuhanga practitioners. Originally from England, Ralph lived and worked in Thailand. Ralph pushed the boundaries of mokuhanga with extremely large pieces, jigsaw carving, and by using fantastic colour. He also worked with the International Mokuhanga Conference to promote mokuhanga around the world. He will be greatly missed. Ralph's work can be found, here. His obituary in The Guardian can be found, here. His interview with The Unfinished Print: A Mokuhanga Podcast can be found, here. Giant Chiamera II (2021) ed. of 10, 127 cm  × 90 cm    Hara Shobo - is a gallery with locations in Tokyo and Kyoto, Japan. They specialize in ukiyo-e and shin hanga. More info, here.    Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839–1892) was a renowned Japanese woodblock printmaker and one of the last great masters of the ukiyo-e tradition. He is best known for his dramatic and emotionally intense imagery, particularly in series like One Hundred Aspects of the Moon and Thirty-Six Ghosts. Working during a time of cultural upheaval in the Meiji period, Yoshitoshi blended traditional techniques with modern themes, Yoshitoshi is famous as a print designer for his expressive linework, rich colour, and innovations in print design during this period of Japanese history.   Eight Battles of the Modern Era (近世八戦争, 1868-1869) 26cm×36cm   shōmen-zuri (正面摺) - "front burnishing," is a deluxe mokuhanga technique used to create black-on-black pattern which creates a contrast. Unlike standard printing, where pigment is rubbed from the back of the paper into the fibers, shōmen-zuri applies heavy friction directly to the front face of a dried, printed sheet—often over a carved relief block—using a hard burnishing tool like a polished boar's tusk or agate. The intense pressure compresses and polishes the ink, producing a glossy, light-reflective pattern against a matte background that beautifully mimics silk damask, lacquered armor, or fine textiles as the print catches the light.   Gotō Hidehiko - is a master baren maker and printmaker based in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. His interview with The Unfinished Print can be found here. More into at the  Baren Kikuhide website.     Distance of Night (1991) 55 cm × 40.5 cm   Sarah Brayer - is a visual artist who is based in Kyoto, Japan. Her works are predominantly poured Japanese paper (washi). Sarah was the first Western artist to work at the Taki paper mill in Echizen. This is where she currently make her paperworks. Sarah have worked continuously in Echizen since 1986 as the only Western artist to do so. Sarah Brayer has also produced mokuhanga in her career. More information can be found, here. Sarah's interview with The Unfinished Print can be found, here.      Ebb and Flow (2025) 29 cm × 44.5 cm   hangitō - a Japanese carving knife which is primarily used for mokuhanga and comes in a variety of blade sizes.  McClains has a varied assortment, here.   © Popular Wheat Productions logo designed and produced by Douglas Batchelor and André Zadorozny  Introduction music while working - Another Land by Dave Holland. Edition Records (2021) 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 :) The opinions expressed by guests on The Unfinished Print: A Mokuhanga Podcast do not necessarily represent the opinions or beliefs of André Zadorozny.

  5. Jun 21

    Daniel Kelly - Printmaker : You've Got To Do It Yourself

    The longer you create mokuhanga, the more your individual tastes reveal themselves in your own  work, your style, your ideas, and your unique way of seeing the world. These are the qualities that make a mokuhanga artist or craftsperson shine, and they represent the place many practitioners aspire to reach. On this episode of The Unfinished Print: A Mokuhanga Podcast, I speak with someone who has spent decades refining his style, developing his ideas, and defining his relationship with mokuhanga at the same time exploring a variety of printmaking mediums. Daniel Kelly lives and works in Kyoto, Japan, and for many years his work has been exhibited in galleries all around the world. It can also be found in private collections and in some of the world's most important museums. We discuss Daniel's studies under Tomikichiro Tokuriki and the lasting influence Tokuriki has had on his work. Daniel explains his preference for papers from outside Japan and why he generally avoids using Japanese washi. He also details his creative process, discusses his use of multiple printmaking mediums alongside mokuhanga, and he reflects on the advantages each brings to his practice. We also talk about galleries, selling work, and Daniel's views on tradition—and how, in some cases, it can hold artists back. Please follow The Unfinished Print and my own mokuhanga work on Instagram @andrezadoroznyprints or email me theunfinishedprint@gmail.com 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. Daniel Kelly - website  Children's Parade (2025) [16" x 28") Lithograph on kozo Typhoon (2002) Lithograph, woodblock, and platinum on Nepalese paper. Tomikichirō Tokuriki (1902-2000) - was a Kyoto based mokuhanga printmaker and teacher. His work touched on many themes and styles. From "creative prints" or sōsaku hanga in Japanese, and his publisher/printer prints, or shin hanga prints of traditional Japanese landscapes.  Spring Night at Hirasawa Pond  (1970's) deshi (弟子) - is an apprentice under a teacher in Japanese culture. It can be found across many disciplines such as martial arts, fine arts and sport.  Citty Lights Bookstore - City Lights Bookstore is a famous independent bookstore in San Francisco's North Beach neighborhood, founded in 1953 by poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti (1919-2021). Clifton Karhu (1927-2007) -  was a mokuhanga printmaker based in Japan. Karhu lived in Japan for most of his life after studying with Tetsuo Yamada and Stanton Macdonald-Wright. HIs themes were of his home city of Kyoto, Japan. More information can be found, here.  Shijo River Bank - Famous Places of Kyoto (18.5" x 15.2")  Honoré Daumier (1808–1879) was a French printmaker, painter, and sculptor best known for his sharp social and political satire. Working primarily in lithography, he created thousands of prints that critiqued politicians, the legal system, and everyday life in nineteenth-century France. Daumier's ability to combine technical mastery with keen observation of human character made him one of the most influential printmakers in Western art history, and his work continues to inspire artists today. Les Plaisirs de l'Hiver (1836) Colour Lithograph [7" x 8.3"] Ted Coyler - is a Canadian printmaker originally from Nova Scotia, Canada. He studied under Toshi Yoshida and makes mokuhanga with mixed media as well as CEAHD lithography. More info, here.  Tsumago (20" x 14")  CWAJ (College Women's Association of Japan) Print Show - is one of Japan's most respected exhibitions of contemporary printmaking. Established in 1956, the annual exhibition showcases both emerging and established artists working across a variety of printmaking techniques. Organized by the College Women's Association of Japan, the show has played an important role in promoting contemporary Japanese prints to international audiences while supporting educational scholarships and programs. For many artists, inclusion in the exhibition is a significant mark of recognition within the printmaking community.  Maurice Sanchez - is a New York–based master printmaker specializing in lithography and collaborative fine art printing. Working through his workshop Derrière L'Étoile Studios, he has collaborated with many major contemporary artists, helping translate drawings and ideas into technically precise and visually rich prints. More info, here.  Untitled (1988) by Maurice Sánchez, Barbara Kruger & James Miller - photo offset lithograph on Rives BFK wove paper *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(--header-height)" dir="auto" data-turn-id="eca2b98f-93c8-4ae7-9b5e-055c2f26e7e4" data-turn-id-container="eca2b98f-93c8-4ae7-9b5e-055c2f26e7e4" data-testid="conversation-turn-23" data-turn="user">   *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-6a36d760-e71c-83ea-bbb2-d3ba24251332-9" data-turn-id-container= "request-6a36d760-e71c-83ea-bbb2-d3ba24251332-9" data-testid= "conversation-turn-24" data-turn="assistant"> Tatyana Grosman (1904–1982) - was a Russian-American print publisher and founder of Universal Limited Art Editions (ULAE) on Long Island, one of the most influential print workshops in postwar American art. Working closely with artists in a highly collaborative studio environment, she encouraged experimentation with lithography and other print techniques, helping to redefine printmaking as a primary artistic medium rather than reproduction. Through ULAE, she supported landmark collaborations with artists such as Jasper Johns, Robert Rauschenberg, Helen Frankenthaler, and Cy Twombly, playing a central role in the resurgence of American printmaking in the 1960s. Nihonteki (日本的) - is a Japanese word meaning Japanese-style. And is often used to describe a thing thsat reflects qualities that are associated with Japan. It's often used to describe something that reflects qualities associated with Japan such as aesthetics, behavior, design, or cultural approach.  Tamarind Institute - was originally founded in Los Angeles in 1960 by June Wayne, and is a world renowned center for fine art lithography. Established to revive and sustain the art of lithography, which was in decline in the United States, Tamarind quickly became a leader in the education and promotion of lithographic techniques. In 1970, the institute moved to the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, where it continues to thrive as a key institution in the printmaking world. Dedicated to advancing the lithographic arts through rigorous education, collaborative projects, and the production of high-quality prints, the Tamarind Institute's influence extends globally, contributing significantly to the development and appreciation of lithography as a vibrant art form. More info, here.  Michael Verne - is a gallerist based in Cleveland, Ohio, USA.  Michael specializes in contemporary Japanese prints and paintings. Michael's interview with The Unfinished Print can be found, here.  Sarah Brayer - is a visual artist who is based in Kyoto, Japan. Her works are predominantly poured Japanese paper (washi). Sarah was the first Western artist to work at the Taki paper mill in Echizen. This is where she currently make her paperworks. Sarah have worked continuously in Echizen since 1986 as the only Western artist to do so. Sarah Brayer has also produced mokuhanga in her career. More information can be found, here. Sarah's interview with The Unfinished Print can be found, here.  White Spread (2026) - poured washi [23.75″ x 36.25″] Ren Brown Collection -  is gallery in Bodega Bay, California featuring contemporary Japanese prints, handmade ceramics and jewelry, Japanese antiques, and works by California artists and sculptors. Each piece reflects a dedication to quality, cultural heritage, and creative expression. More info, here.  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. Majushri - on a bicycle (1980) [20" x 29"] seriagraph Kremer Pigemente - is a European based seller of various types of pigments for the world market.Kremer sells different pigment powders, binders, tools, and specialty chemicals tailored for fine art painting, restoration, monument preservation, and specialized handcrafts. More info can be found, here.  Fauvist Colour Theory -   is an approach to colour developed by the Fauves in early 20th-century France, including artists like Henri Matisse (1869-1954) and André Derain (1880-1854). Instead of using colour to describe reality, they used it expressively—often applying pure, unmixed pigments directly from the tube to create intense, non-naturalistic effects. Colour became independent from form and light, used to convey emotion, rhythm, and visual impact rather than accurate representation. This liberated approach to colour was short-lived as a movement but had a lasting influence on modern and contemporary art. Kathy Caraccio - is a master printer, artist, curator, professor, and collector who has collaborated with hundreds of artists from around the world. Through her studio, she has fostered a vibrant, supportive community rooted in shared creativity and craft. More info can be found, here.  Off

  6. May 31

    Kazuko Hioki - Conservator : A Humble Utility Project

    On this episode of The Unfinished Print: A Mokuhanga Podcast, I have the opportunity to speak with Kazuko Hioki, Head of Preservation and Preservation Librarian/Conservator at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa. We discuss how washi was used in book preservation during the Edo period in Japan, its connection to mokuhanga, and the many ways washi was used during this period of Japanese paper history, including recycled paper practices, traditional papermaking methods, and the role of washi in book creation. Notes: may contain a hyperlink. Simply click on the highlighted word or phrase. Kazuko Hioki - here are some of Kazuko Hioki's articles where you can read and get a real understanding of her work.  Investigation of Historical Japanese Paper: An Experiment to Recreate Recycled Paper from 18th-19th Century Japan   Characteristics of Japanese Block Printed Books in the Edo Period: 1603–1867 Tamarind Institute - was originally founded in Los Angeles in 1960 by June Wayne, and is a world renowned center for fine art lithography. Established to revive and sustain the art of lithography, which was in decline in the United States, Tamarind quickly became a leader in the education and promotion of lithographic techniques. In 1970, the institute moved to the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, where it continues to thrive as a key institution in the printmaking world. Dedicated to advancing the lithographic arts through rigorous education, collaborative projects, and the production of high-quality prints, the Tamarind Institute's influence extends globally, contributing significantly to the development and appreciation of lithography as a vibrant art form. More info, here.    Edo Bakufu, also known as the Tokugawa Bakufu, was the military government that ruled Japan from 1603 to 1868. During this period, Japan experienced remarkable political stability and economic growth, maintained through a strict social hierarchy and a system that required regional lords (daimyo) to alternate their residence between their domains and Edo. The Edo Bakufu fostered an environment in which culture, education, literature, theatre, and urban centres flourished. The bakufu came to an end with the Meiji Restoration in 1868, which restored imperial rule and marked the beginning of Japan's modernization.   Tohoku Region - is a region in Northern Japan which consists of six prefectures which are Aomori, Akita, Iwate, Yamagata, Miyagi and Fukushima.    Tosa, Kōchi - is a city located on Shikoku island, in the prefecture of Kōchi. Ki no Tsurayuki (872-945) was a court noble promoted as provincial governor of Tosa and promoted washi. More info can be found, here.    Eta -  were one of the outcaste groups of Edo-period Japan. Associated with occupations involving animal carcasses, leather production, butchery, and executions, they were marginalized within the social hierarchy. Their descendants are today generally referred to as Burakumin.   kusazōshi - were popular illustrated books made during the Edo Period combining text and imagery.    gōkan - were a type of kusazōshi popular in late Edo-period Japan. Longer and more complex than earlier forms, they featured historical tales, adventure stories, romances, and popular fiction. Their illustrations also highlighted the craftsmanship of the artists, carvers, and printmakers who produced them.   © Popular Wheat Productions logo designed and produced by Douglas Batchelor and André Zadorozny  Introduction music while working - Lester Young / Oscar Peterson  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 :)

  7. Apr 20

    Yvonne Hering - Printmaker : Ars Longa, Vita Brevis

    When mokuhanga becomes a passion, I find it has the ability to clarify everything, in how you see the world, how you take everything in, and even how you analyze it. Mokuhanga has the ability to make so many things come into focus, pointing you into a clearer direction.   On this episode, I speak with Australian printmaker Yvonne Hering. Yvonne has taken her passion for mokuhanga and made it her life's work. Through her own prints, her travels to Japan, and her dedication to teaching, she has helped bring mokuhanga to people around the world.   We talk about her teachers, and how patterns in prints led her to try mokuhanga for the first time. We discuss her early days in Tokyo, and how the tradition and history of mokuhanga play a major role in her own work. We also explore her thoughts on selling prints through auctions, her evolving process, and the development of her Washi Fusion approach. Yvonne also speaks with me about her love of mokuhanga books, her studio practice, and her connection to Echizen. Notes: may contain a hyperlink. Simply click on the highlighted word or phrase. Yvonne Hering - website , Instagram More notes to come © Popular Wheat Productions logo designed and produced by Douglas Batchelor and André Zadorozny  Introduction music while working - Oscar Peterson 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 :)

  8. Mar 26

    Raluca Iancu - Printmaker : Setting Intentions

    Mokuhanga is a medium that invites an adventurous side to ones personality. It can carry your ambitions to different places, allowing you to explore and grow—not only in your work, but in yourself.   Raluca Iancu joins me, a mokuhanga printmaker who investigates her practice through other forms of printmaking, travel, and learning from diverse teachers and instructors from around the world.   Raluca speaks with me about how she discovered mokuhanga, how her work is shaped by other printmaking mediums, and how her travels and residencies have influenced her practice. We also discuss her time with MI Lab and her role as Associate Professor of Art & Visual Culture, Printmaking at Iowa State University, and how these experiences inform her mokuhanga work.   And finally, we explore if  mokuhanga can be a medium for change—whether it can serve as an act of activism or a tool for transformation. Please follow The Unfinished Print: A Mokuhanga Podcast and my own mokuhanga work on my website andrezadoroznyprints.com Instagram @andrezadoroznyprints or email me at theunfinishedprint@gmail.com 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. If there are any issues with something you've heard in the episode please don't hesitate to email.  Notes: may contain a hyperlink. Simply click on the highlighted word or phrase. Raluca Iancu  - website, Instagram More notes to come © Popular Wheat Productions logo designed and produced by Douglas Batchelor and André Zadorozny  Introduction music while working - Oscar Peterson 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 Unfinished Print is a podcast dedicated to exploring the art of Japanese woodblock printing, or mokuhanga. It offers an in-depth look at the printmakers, carvers, gallerists, and collectors involved in this unique art form. Through interviews, Andre Zadorozny, a mokuhanga printmaker himself, delves into what mokuhanga means to so many people.

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