Have you ever stared in amazement at a Japanese woodcut, wondering how on earth those subtle images full of fine details were carved from wood? In this workshop, you will discover the secret of this Japanese woodcut technique, but even more so, of our own woodcut technique. After a brief introduction, you will get straight to work. The instructor will show you how to handle the carving tools, and you will receive a practice board to immediately test and practice your carving skills.

You will take this board home after the workshop so that you can continue taking steps towards becoming a master carver.

With these workshops, we focus primarily on (absolute) beginners and amateurs who would like to experience the special character of the Japanese woodcut firsthand.

The Japanese woodcut, also known as mokuhanga, is the result of nearly 425 years of perfecting the woodcut technique, a technique that is also known in our region and has been practiced here since around 1400: the woodcut. This printing technique, and certainly its Japanese variant, stands out for its strong artisanal character, namely the extensive handiwork required to produce a satisfying woodcut. It is not enough to be able to create beautiful images; one must also think and feel within the possibilities and limitations of the material: the wood, the cutting tools, the paint, and the paper. A good Japanese woodcut is therefore the result of finding a perfect balance between thorough technical skills and free, creative, and artistic ideas. Japanese woodcut is one of the least toxic printing techniques in existence, possessing a very sustainable character and a low ecological impact, which directly explains its rising popularity worldwide.

Mokuhanga Magic is a creative project by Soetkin Everaert & Vladimir Ivaneanu. They pay homage to the centuries-old Japanese art of woodcutting – mokuhanga – a craft in which tradition, patience, and creativity come together. Each print is hand-carved and printed using natural materials and water-based pigments, resulting in unique and special works of art. Mokuhanga Magic is their way of sharing this beautiful, eco-friendly art form with the world. Soetkin and Vladimir offer original prints, workshops, and tools for both beginning and experienced artists. It is their mission to inspire, educate, and build a community around the magic of mokuhanga. Join them on this artistic journey, where every print tells a story.

Since 2019, Bokrijk | Craftsmanship & Heritage has been Bokrijk’s center of expertise focusing on the contemporary relevance of historical woodworking and construction techniques. From the Campus of Craftsmanship, V&E inventories, researches, supports, and communicates this craftsmanship heritage throughout Flanders and Brussels. As a service provider, V&E is part of a strong national network and also operates as an international knowledge actor. Jeroen Desaver and Rien Bogaert will be present to share information about this.