EAST MEETS WEST:  A UNIQUE AND WONDERFUL VISIT

May 22, 2023

Last week something very special happened at the KBAC. The esteemed mokuhanga artist from Japan, Yoskisuke Funasaka, traveled to Kalamazoo to exhibit with his long-time student and friend Mary Brodbeck, a well-known and very talented local woodblock artist.

Their unique relationship began 25 years ago when Mary traveled to Japan to learn the traditional methods of Japanese woodblock printing (mokuhanga) from Mr. Funasaka. This master/disciple relationship is traditional and worked very well for them. It wasn’t long before a mutual respect was established and developed into genuine friendship. Yet, even after all these years he is always referred to Sensei, which means teacher, in respect and honor of his specialized knowledge.

 This visit, exhibition, and outreach program had been planned for years and then was delayed by the pandemic. Mr. Funasaka finally arrived on May 10th, with the support of the Japan Foundation, WMU’s Soga Japan Center, and the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. He was kept busy with an exhibition opening, a 3-day workshop, an Art Break talk at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, and multiple outreach classes at local high schools.  

The 3-day workshop brought printmakers from all over the Midwest, and as far away as North Dakota, to learn how to make a woodblock baren. A baren is a tool that is used to transfer ink from a carved wooden block to paper. Mr. Funasaka is one of the few people in the world that still makes barens by hand and is willing to teach the very labor-intensive technique to others. The students spent the first two days weaving 10 to 15 meters of bamboo to form the base of the baren. Blisters developed, as did the comradery that is fostered by a shared experience. Day 3 required that the bamboo be coiled tightly, glued into a wood form, and covered with more bamboo. Students also carved a block and made a print. It was a busy weekend! In the end, these lucky students came away with a baren they will use and treasure for the rest of their lives.  What a special experience!

While Mr. Funasaka has now returned home, his work and Mary’s will remain in our Gallery space through July 28th. Please come experience the wonder of Cross Currents: East - West in person! (With the summer months keeping us busy with off-site teaching commitments, it’s always a good idea to call ahead of time to confirm our hours.)

 Sayōnara, Sensei! Thank you sharing your work and knowledge with us all.

Jeff, Katie, and Lorrie

 PS.  To learn more about mokuhanga printmaking, Mary Brodbeck’s work, and her printmaking experience in Japan, visit her website and watch the documentary Becoming Made.