Hello, and welcome to my online store. I'm Tomoka, the artist behind Tomokaart. I am from Japan and grew up in an artistic family, making my immersion in the art field a natural progression. My parents encouraged my artistic inclinations, allowing me to experiment with oil painting at the age of 2. As some might be aware, back in the day (I won't disclose my age, but...), some paints were quite toxic. I continued my artistic journey by attending Art University in Japan, majoring in oil painting, yet I remained open to experimenting with various mediums. I delved into Lampwork glass bead making and even authored a book in Japan. However, my exploration led me to a newfound passion: block printing and polymer clay. Embracing these mediums has expanded my creative horizons, bringing immense joy as I explore and express my artistic vision. Thank you for stepping into my creative space!
WHAT IS BLOCK PRINTING?
Block printing is a traditional method of printing that utilizes a carved block to transfer ink or dye onto surfaces, usually paper, fabric, or other materials.
It is a manual and labor-intensive technique that has been practiced for centuries across various cultures worldwide.
The block printing process typically involves the following steps
Design: An artist creates a design intended for carving onto a block.
Carving: The design is transferred onto a block made of wood, linoleum, rubber, or other materials and then carved out using specialized carving knives.
The carved areas do not pick up ink, while the raised portions do.
Inking: Ink or dye is applied to the carved block using a roller or brush.
The block is evenly coated with ink, ensuring complete coverage over the raised portions of the design.
Printing: The inked block is pressed onto the material's surface to be printed. This can be done either by hand or using a press.
The applied pressure transfers the ink from the block to the material, resulting in the creation of the printed design.
Block printing is renowned for its versatility and its ability to produce unique, handcrafted designs.
It finds common use in creating textiles, such as clothing, scarves, and home furnishings,
as well as in printing on paper for art prints, cards, and various decorative items.
Different cultures have their own variations of block printing, each characterized by unique techniques and styles.