Baren - Printmaking tool
There are many people in America who are interested in printmaking, especially woodcarving, woodblock and relief printing. To purchase this item from Japan, where this style originated, can be very costly in addition to international shipping. This is an American made product using the traditional techniques to produce a high quality tool for a fraction of the cost. These images were taken for the commercial advertising campaign to display the final product. The reason I chose to use black and white analog film for my main images was for a classic appearance paying homage to the long history and ritual in the creation of this tool. Also included are two additional images that demonstrate the complex process behind its construction.
A baren is made of many layers. It starts with a flat coil of braided cord that forms the core. Then it is placed on top of a disk (ategawa) that is made of 30–40 sheets of high-grade long-fibred hosokawa paper, wrapped in tissue and black lacquer. This is covered by a thin bamboo sheath (takenokawa) and is twisted to form the handle on the top.
The concept of sharing a “The word for today” on social media, was inspired by my desire to share with other artists concepts, techniques and vocabulary of Japanese woodblock printmaking. This consisted of the term in Japanese and English with a definition or explanation. I wanted to present each one in the design of a flash card.
