Famous Views of Seattle

This five-week evening course explores the art of Mokuhanga (Japanese woodblock printing) through the lens of place, using Seattle as shared subject matter. Inspired by historical series such as One Hundred Famous Views of Edo, students will create woodblock prints that reflect Seattle’s landscapes, neighborhoods, architecture, water, weather, and atmosphere.

Developed during Japan’s Edo period (1600–1868), Mokuhanga uses water-based pigments and washi paper to produce luminous, layered prints created entirely by hand. Over the course of five weeks, students will be guided through each step of the Mokuhanga process, from developing a design inspired by a chosen Seattle view to transferring imagery onto the primary and additional blocks for multi-colored printing.

Weekly demonstrations will cover block preparation, efficient image transfer, carving techniques, and registration for layered color printing. Students will also learn proper tool use and maintenance, including sharpening traditional hand carving tools, along with paper selection and preparation. 

By the end of the course, students will have gained a solid foundation in Mokuhanga techniques and will leave with a small edition of completed prints that collectively form a varied portrait of the city.

All levels welcome. No prior experience necessary.