in the method in which they are printed. I decided to reproduce the Japanese woodblock prints in veneer because the prints were first cut in
wood then printed on paper. Each color is a different block of wood cut to mesh with all the others needed to produce a print. But the thought
hit me, why not reproduce them in wood and use the natural colors of the wood, no stains or dyes and try to stay as true to the original as I
could. After all they started with wood so why not finish with wood as well. It took a while to complete the first piece but it was such a
incredible joy to put together. The next three were just as exciting to work on and the pleasure never ceased. I plan to do several and the
reaction to the first four have been fantastic. I have sold everything I have done to date and I have people asking who the next subjects will be.
I am a particular fan of Natori Shunsen and his prints of actors. I hope I do them justice as he and the other artists intended in life. I give
credit to each piece as to the original artist and date of publication.
This is also my way to pay tribute to the Japanese artist and their skills as artists and their ability to capture the beauty of the Japanese people
and their culture.
by
Natori Shunsen
by
Tatsumi Shimura
