Today's postings

  1. [Baren 43315] Re: how to glue two papers? (Barbara Mason)
  2. [Baren 43316] Re: looking for a good place. (Annie Bissett)
  3. [Baren 43317] Re: how to glue two papers? (Hannah Skoonberg)
  4. [Baren 43318] Where to go for Moku Hanga (Jennifer Martindale)
  5. [Baren 43319] Re: Joshua's name in Hebrew linocut ("Ellen Shipley")
  6. [Baren 43320] Re: New Baren Digest (HTML) V55 #5611 (May 5, 2011) (Carole Dwinell)
  7. [Baren 43321] Japanese sensibilities, Mofuku-- Maybe a bad idea? (Andrew Stone)
  8. [Baren 43322] Re: Japanese sensibilities, Mofuku-- Maybe a bad idea? (Renee)
  9. [Baren 43323] Re: Japanese sensibilities, Mofuku-- Maybe a bad idea? (Barbara Mason)
  10. [Baren 43324] Re: Japanese sensibilities, Mofuku-- Maybe a bad idea? ("Oscar Bearinger")
  11. [Baren 43325] Convite da exposio (Cleber Alexsander Pereira Nunes)
  12. [Baren 43326] Baren Member blogs: Update Notification (Blog Manager)
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Message 1
From: Barbara Mason
Date: Thu, 05 May 2011 13:32:15 GMT
Subject: [Baren 43315] Re: how to glue two papers?
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Print each paper individually and work at attaching them when dry, if you print
an inch over on each paper where they join, you will be able to line it up
perfectly when it is dry and cut it with a ruler and knife or razor blade, then
you can glue a small strip of paper on the back to attach the two pieces. I have
done this with etchings that are too big for my press, I print two plates and
then if you are really careful you can barely see it when it is attached. Also
think about where you want to put it together, do it in an area with lots of
image and it will be less noticeable. Of course the easiest thing is to get
bigger paper!
My best
Barbara
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Message 2
From: Annie Bissett
Date: Thu, 05 May 2011 13:49:15 GMT
Subject: [Baren 43316] Re: looking for a good place.
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Hi Olek,

If I were a young college student and could go anywhere, I would
apply to study at Tama Art University in Tokyo:
http://www.tamabi.ac.jp/

There's a residency program in Japan for international artists called
Nagasawa Art Park:
http://endeavor.or.jp/nap/
I think a number of Baren Forum members have gone there. It looks
like it may be an introductory course, though, for artists who have
not worked with the Japanese method before.

Can you afford to travel to Japan next month? The First International
Mokuhanga Conference will offer many opportunities to meet other
artists who work in the Japanese method and to learn about current
practices.
http://www.mokuhanga.jp/

best to all,

Annie
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Message 3
From: Hannah Skoonberg
Date: Thu, 05 May 2011 14:02:59 GMT
Subject: [Baren 43317] Re: how to glue two papers?
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If you are working with thin Japanese paper. The moisture from the glue
could cause the paper to buckle. Practice with some scraps of paper and see
if your papers reacts with your glue or have any issues drying flat. Use the
minimum amount of glue that you need and dry weighted. For book arts I use
PVA glue which is an archival white glue that is very strong and drys
clear.
If you plan on working big more in the future, there are some great rolls of
paper online. (Hiromi paper) You don't have as much waste when you tear down
from a roll, you save money in the long run and you don't have to worry
about gluing pieces together.
Hannah
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Message 4
From: Jennifer Martindale
Date: Thu, 05 May 2011 15:10:53 GMT
Subject: [Baren 43318] Where to go for Moku Hanga
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Olek, If you wish to go to the UK then Paul Furneaux of Edinburgh Printmakers http://edinburgh-printmakers.co.uk runs a very useful short course in Japanese woodblock printmaking. His next one is 1-4 August 2011, and is in Edinburgh, Scotland, UK. He is a very good teacher and packs a great deal of info in an intense few days. You may also be a able to pick up contacts through the fellow students, if you could get there.
There are various good collections of Japanese prints in institutions such as the British Museum print room (Make an appointment), also at the Central St Martins University of the Arts in London, contact Judy Lindsay Head of Museum collections. I do not know if they run courses that relate precisely to your needs, but they do run printmaking courses, and it is worth checking. They may be able to help you with running an academic investigation, as their Japanese print collection is designed to be used as a research tool. Good luck
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Message 5
From: "Ellen Shipley"
Date: Thu, 05 May 2011 15:47:00 GMT
Subject: [Baren 43319] Re: Joshua's name in Hebrew linocut
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Album NameI liked the slideshow. Great demo of the process and a gorgeous print.

Ellen Shipley
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Message 6
From: Carole Dwinell
Date: Thu, 05 May 2011 16:45:15 GMT
Subject: [Baren 43320] Re: New Baren Digest (HTML) V55 #5611 (May 5, 2011)
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The biggest moku hanga happening is still scheduled for the first part
of June in Japan. That will be the biggest concentration of moku hanga
practitioners probably ever gathered in one place. Apparently it is
well south of the damaged area of Japan and is still happening. Here's
the link: http://www.mokuhanga.jp/en/ Here is a video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MS7LkDKkP0M
If you 'google' Moku Hanga and print, you will get a whole lot of
information delivered right to the comfort of your own home. No
expense! I've learned quite a bit like that. Best of luck with your
endeavor.

Carole.
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Message 7
From: Andrew Stone
Date: Thu, 05 May 2011 17:10:47 GMT
Subject: [Baren 43321] Japanese sensibilities, Mofuku-- Maybe a bad idea?
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Hi all, especially those with some experience with Japanese culture and sentiments.

I have been working out ideas and sketches for ideas for my contribution to the Japan Relief project "Inspired by Japan".
I've hit a potential cultural/insensitivity SNAG and I need some advice: (see the sketches here: www.rospobio.blogspot.com )

My most resonant and interesting idea (to me anyway) would have depicted the Japanese Mourning Kimono, Mofuku on a blue ground over a shadow that would have represented the seismograph reading taken at the Station off Sendai that morning.

It's a good idea and could make a striking and powerful print but I have been very uneasy about proceeding.

The sites selling Kimonos on the internet and the few Japanese culture sites I've been able to see all point to the very sensitive nature of all the funeral rites in general and several would not even show
JPEG images of Mofuku due to their "sensitive nature".

The one Japanese woman I know was fairly circumspect and said that such a direct approach to such a delicate issue was unsettling
and would likely be so to a larger Japanese audience.

While I would not normally be affected by "what if I offend somebody" ideas when working out my personal work,
This-as a benefit exchange--is different and I would be also uncomfortable if my coarse or brash American approach would be offensive.

Thanks for looking and I'd love some advice.
Based on what I've got so far I'll probably abandon this idea for now (maybe tackle it later on my own) and try another.

Andrew Stone
rospobio.blogspot.com
andrewstone1@me.com
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Message 8
From: Renee
Date: Thu, 05 May 2011 18:07:12 GMT
Subject: [Baren 43322] Re: Japanese sensibilities, Mofuku-- Maybe a bad idea?
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Good Morning Bareneers,


@ Andrew, I have been having similar concerns about the imagery for the 'Inspired by Japan' -- and would like to include something meaningful to the Japanese people, and yet not go at it in the 'brash American way'. I think I have settled on an image of a bridge which I hope will be a gesture of connected friendship -- I may find something better -- or something more modern/abstract from Saito. Still looking for something outstanding! Best of luck in your search.


Happy Printing all.


Renee


Oh yes, I did open an Etsy/Printsy shop called miravistastudioarts! Thanks!
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Message 9
From: Barbara Mason
Date: Fri, 06 May 2011 05:02:26 GMT
Subject: [Baren 43323] Re: Japanese sensibilities, Mofuku-- Maybe a bad idea?
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Well, remember, they will probably be purchased by Americans...
my best
Barbara
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Message 10
From: "Oscar Bearinger"
Date: Fri, 06 May 2011 12:33:33 GMT
Subject: [Baren 43324] Re: Japanese sensibilities, Mofuku-- Maybe a bad idea?
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Hi Andrew

I can appreciate your hesitation, as I have also had similar feelings about the print I'm doing.

My print has the sun swamped by the sea. The sun is a symbol on the Japanese flag and I am wondering about my use os this image. I planned to use a red sun (which is the Japanese symbol), and I am wondering about using a different colour, or somehow otherwise differentiating the symbol. I am leaning towards using the sun symbol, but I would like to hear others' thoughts on this.

As for the symbol you are thinking of using, I agree that this may be too specific a symbol to use. Your work is always interesting to me, Andrew and I am sure you will do something appropriate, whatever you decide.
Just my 2 cents.

Any comments you, and others, have about my print will be appreciated.

Oscar
Ontario, Canada
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Message 11
From: Cleber Alexsander Pereira Nunes
Date: Fri, 06 May 2011 12:34:00 GMT
Subject: [Baren 43325] Convite da exposio
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Bom dia..

Estou mandando em anexo o convite da exposi coletiva "Encontro da Imagem
com a Palavra" que ocorrera no Memorial da America Latina.

Espero todos por l..

Abrao

Cleber Alexsander

Digest Appendix

Postings made on [Baren] members' blogs
over the past 24 hours ...

Subject: Inspired by Japan--Sketches
Posted by: Andrew Stone

The Baren, an internet-based, international group of woodblock artists is sponsoring a benefit exchange of prints to benefit the Aid efforts following Japan's recent devastating earthquake, Tsunami and radiation disaster.
It is a themed exchange, titled "inspired by Japan" and the artists who have volunteered will print 31 copies to be exhibited and then, sold with all proceeds to benefit relief efforts.

My first idea was to depict a "Mofuku", the all black, mourning kimono of Japanese funeral rites. I had hoped to print a dark blue ground-to represent the water and the shadow cast of the kimono would be in the shape of the initial seismograph reading recorded off Sendai on that terrible morning.
It was to be dedicated to all those who lost their entire families and have no one left to mourn them.

But I've been a little uneasy.
I've been scouring the web and internet sites devoted to Japanese culture, Kimono styles and traditions, and specifically sites selling used and vintage kimonos to the west.
All have emphasized that the Mofuku, an all-black kimono with 5 undyed family crests is only to be worn by close relatives of the deceased and several sites
stated that they could not even show samples of Mofuku due to the sensitive nature of their use.
Since, my print would make the display of such a seemingly sensitive object not only visible but the subject and focus I have been hesitant to begin carving.

I showed some images of my sketches to my cousin's Japanese wife and she very graciously but pointedly confirmed my suspicions that while this would pose No issues to a Western audience, such a direct approach would make many Japanese uneasy. (As it did her).

So now I don't know what to do. I have several other sketches--some more or less complicated that I need to revisit and decide soon if I can make them work.
I would not normally be worried about appropriating ideas and images for my own work and purposes but in this context, a Benefit donation, it feels like I can not simply ignore such sentiment.

Kimono: Furisode/Tomesode? Sketch B
Fortunately, the traditions of kimono are fairly strict.
If the kimono doesn't have the 5 mon (crests) or has any other decoration, it is NOT considered Mofuku. But it then loses the connotations I was after about the terrible loss of life and consequent national mourning and international sadness.

Below was yesterday's sketch; done as Sami had Karate practice and I sat in the local coffeehouse with my sketchbook. Sort of a Japanese screen with an implacable wave. Perhaps a bit overdone/overwritten but it could be at least much more subtle and beautiful if printed well.

The Implacable Wave (sketch C)

[Long item has been trimmed at this point. The full blog entry can be viewed here]

This item is taken from the blog Lacrime di Rospo.
'Reply' to Baren about this item.