PS/MS 161 Don Pedro Albizu Campos School, New York City NY
Participate in an intensive printmaking workshop in Karuizawa, Japan to share techniques with 4th-8th grade students through a printmaking unit in which they explore their own cultures in relation to those of Mexico and China through art.
The Shin Hanga Exhibition at the Eki Museum features prints that exemplify the reimagined efforts of painters, who, intentionally used the craft of ukiyo- e woodblock printing, and the division of artist, engraver and printer, to create their work.
My sensei Robert Steiner, who shared a lifetime of wisdom with me, in a matter of days.
I created an image of a crane because in Japanese art it is considered a symbol of good fortune, longevity, and peace. After stressing about printing on "good" paper, my favorite print was one of my practices.
In the studio I worked alongside wonderful artists who were generous with their time and opinions. I appreciated everyone's different take and preference on the subject, incorporating what fit, while also finding my own way of doing things.
Meditating at the Buddhist temple where our guide reminded us there is no difference between the quiet of a temple and the sounds of a city. It is all a mater of perspective.
The Yasaka Pagoda, is a Buddhist pagoda located in the well preserved Higashiyama District. Here, you can feel transported to 6th century Kyoto.
To be a printmaker following the traditional Japanese techniques I learned that you are first an artist, dealing in ideas and sketches. I was in the world of creativity, thinking of important Japanese themes and symbols, researching other artists, thinking and feeling, and trying to convert that into images. The second stage is becoming a craftsman. You are solely focused on executing precision cuts, using rote techniques, and handling tools. I enjoyed the kinesthetic nature of carving most.
I learned that I thrive in an artistic learning community. In a relaxed setting, with little pressure, I feel free to make mistakes and experiment, focusing on the process as opposed to the product. I have learned the importance of an artistic community. Working alongside other artists creates an environment where ideas are shared. Instantly your world and network grows exponentially, you are exposed to other artists, techniques, exhibitions, and a whole other perspective.
My original plans to study under Terry McKenna at the Karuizawa Mokuhanga School changed, and I luckily ended up with sensei Richard Steiner, in the Kyoto international Mokuhanga School, coincidentally, Terry McKenna's teacher. The rescheduling ended up being a chance to learn from a wonderful teacher who has been studying printmaking for over 50 years. Aside from teaching me techniques, he shared so many wonderful insights on what it means to be an artist working in this traditional medium.
I plan to create a hands on, comprehensive printmaking unit that will give students opportunity to engage every part of their brain. They will be comparing and contrasting art and cultures, using higher order thinking skills to interpret information, and take part in hands on learning experiences. Students will visit cultural institutions to enhance their learning. They will make their own paper, design and print their own multi-color image, and share their prints with their school.
I hope to cultivate a real interest in printmaking, and studio art in general. In order to simulate my immersion in Japanese art making, I plan to collaborate with art institutions, such as the Robert Blackburn Printmaking Workshop and The Japan Society to expose students to even more authentic and engaging art settings. The tour of their studios and live demonstrations of woodblock printing will resonate more for students, since they will have already learned and practiced the process.
As a facilitator for Visual Arts Citywide Professional Development, and a workshop presenter at the annual New York State Art Teachers Association conference, I am thrilled to introduce my colleagues to Fund For Teachers, and share with them my wonderful journey of learning traditional Japanese printmaking. I hope to give a demonstration on how to use printmaking in the classroom by sharing accessible, classroom friendly resources that I have created.