Japanese washi (paper) is made from renewable plant resources that reach maturity in 1-2 years. On this course you will learn by video how to make kozo plants into paper making material. Your tutor will bring the pre-prepared plant fibre for you to use from Japan. You will then mix the materials to prepare the paper material ready for use using Japanese materials.

You will make tear-resistant and translucent papers by using traditional paper making equipment called suketa and prepared kozo paper material. Your tutor who is a Master paper maker in Japan, will demonstrate the skill needed to make a perfect sheet of paper.

You will then use traditional equipment in the studio to make around 40 sheets of A3 size paper.

By the end of the course you will go away with around 40 sheets of A3 paper and postcard size paper making equipment, Kozo paper making material and neri to carry on the techniques you have learnt to make small pieces of paper at home.

Please note Yoichi Fujimori is a Master papermaker at the Awagami Paper Factory in Japan and is travelling from Japan to teach this course. As he is a non-English speaker, we have asked Akiko Fujikawa (Japanese woodcut printmaker) to act as interpreter during the course. You will learn by demonstration and close observation of the techniques as well as interpretations from Akiko.

This course is part of our Japanese influence’s week led by talented artist-tutors:

Yoichi Fujimori (Japanese paper making) Mieko Fujimori (Indigo dye artworks on Japanese paper) Wayne Meeten (Japanese hammer chased and inlayed moon dish) Rie Tsuruta (Exploring Japanese pottery) Lucy May Schofield (Japanese woodblock printed landscape bound in a scroll) Rie Takeda (Calligraphy) Helen Turner (The art of imperfection in painting – wabi sabi)

Each course explores a different aspect of the influences and techniques of Japanese art and craft and how they may be applied to contemporary practices.

Each tutor will be invited to give a short talk (10 minutes) about an aspect of their work relating to the theme of the week on Tuesday evening at 5.15pm. Participants will also be encouraged to visit other courses to see work produced across the varied approaches offered in the week.

Included

On this course the College will supply some of the materials including kozo paper making material and neri used for actual paper making in the studio. Postcard size paper making equipment, 50g of kozo paper making material, 25g of neri (essential material for paper making) for you to take home so you can carry on making paper at home.

What students need to bring

• Waterproof apron
• Waterproof shoes
• No long sleeves
• 2 jars with lids to take 50g of Kozo and 25g of neri home

Available to buy

Available from shop:

• A good variety of art and craft materials

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).

Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration
6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included)
8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential

Daily timetable
Course teaching 9.15am - 5pm (lunch included)
Dinner: from 6.30pm (included for residential students)
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed

Departure day
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm (lunch included)
Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am

Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required

Terms & Conditions