woodblock prints
I make woodblock prints using the Japanese printmaking method, also known as moku hanga. This method varies from traditions used widely in the West in that it involves the use of water-based pigments, multiple wooden blocks (one for each colour in the print), and printing by hand with a small, round, flat disc known as a baren.

I use the traditional tools of Japanese woodblock printing in my printmaking studio in Melbourne, Australia. As well as water-based pigments, and a baren for printing, I use beautiful, small-sized carving knives and brushes (hanga bake) made from horse hair. A paste (nori, traditionally made from rice flour) is used in the printmaking process to help the water-based pigments adhere to the paper. I often print on washi, strong and beautiful Japanese hand made paper, when I can source it in Australia. The Japanese tradition of printmaking is wonderfully chemical-free and very organic.

The style of woodblock prints I create probably best fit the sosaku hanga (creative print) tradition. The sosaku movement began as a way of bringing woodblock printing to a contemporary level and involves the artist in all stages of the printmaking process: design, carving the blocks, and printing.

Japanese woodblock printing is quite labour intensive. However, for me, it’s very much a labour of love. The mark of the hand is clear in the final print, and every print from the same series of blocks, will be slightly different because of this.

giclee prints
Giclee is a word derived from the French language invented to describe the process of making fine art prints from a digital source using ink-jet printing.

I make a range of giclee prints from original artworks inspired by Japan, my obsession with tea, and linear beauty found in nature.