tHS

This workshop has reached capacity and tickets are no longer available. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Internationally renowned printmaking artist Tom Killion will introduce students to the design, carving and printing of Japanese-style woodblocks. This class will cover the design and transfer of images onto blocks, multi-block registration, carving, sharpening of tools and basic printing techniques.

Location: John M. Lee Court

Ticketed Event: Members $275 | General $295 | Space is limited and advanced reservations are required by October 11. There is an additional materials fee of $20 and a list of tools that participants are strongly encouraged to bring to the class (details will be provided upon registration).

Important information: Woodblocks, ink and paper will be provided for a materials fee of $20 cash or check payable to Tom Killion. Students must bring their own additional tools: upon registration they will be provided with a list of tools to buy and where to obtain them. Students should bring a small (4"x6") sketch for a single-color image they would like to create during the class. Students will learn by turning their sketch images into a single-color print. We'll print a few proofs (in black) of every image before the end of the class.

Bowers Museum will provide a few generic sets of tools that may be shared amongst participants. However, the instructor strongly recommends that students purchase their own "professional grade" tools for the class.

Due to the robust workshop schedule, no lunch breaks will be taken. Participants are encouraged to bring bag lunches that do not require refrigeration and enjoy them during the workshop.

About Tom Killion: Tom was born and raised in Mill Valley, California, on the slopes of Mt. Tamalpais. The rugged scenery of Marin County and Northern California inspired him from an early age to create landscape prints using linoleum and wood, strongly influenced by the traditional Japanese Ukiyo-ë style of Hokusai and Hiroshige. He studied History at UC Santa Cruz, where he was introduced to fine book printing by William Everson and Jack Stauffacher. In 1975, he produced his first illustrated book on UCSC's Cowell Press.

About Tom’s technique: Tom Killion describes his technique, tongue-in-cheek, as "faux ukiyo-ë" to emphasize his aesthetic debt to the landscape prints of early 19th century Japan, but also to acknowledge his embrace of early 20th century European / American wood-engraving and book illustration techniques and styles as well. Among his influences are the Japanese ukiyo-ë landscape masters Hokusai and Hiroshige, but also European and American wood-engravers such as Eric Gill and Rockwell Kent. Killion carves his images into all-shina plywood, Amsterdam linoleum, cherry and other block materials using Japanese handtools. He prints his often elaborate, multi-colored images on custom-made traditional Japanese papers using oil-based inks and a German hand-cranked proofing press.

This workshop is made possible through a generous bequest by Lynda Thomas (1950-2021).

Questions? Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 714.567.3677. Proceeds benefit Bowers Museum Education Programs. Tickets are non-refundable.