Risograph prints inspired by woodblock printing

As my art is primarily digital, I love exploring printing technology to find new ways to bring my work into the analogue world.

These prints use risograph technology, a method of printing developed in Japan in the mid-1980s. It can be described as a mix between screenprinting and photocopying. The risograph process produces prints with extremely vibrant, crisp inks. Sometimes these inks overlap during the printing process to create interesting and unique details—these slight variations and colour shifts are part of the charm of riso, adding character and a handmade-feel to the art.

This unpredictable result is something that I thought would work well to mimic the style of traditional woodblock printing, called mokuhanga. This series of prints shows some of my select experimentations with the medium.

First Snow at Jigokudani

Jigokudani (地獄谷), or Hell Valley, is located in Yamanouchi, Nagano prefecture, and is world-renowned for its large population of Japanese snow monkeys. Each morning, these mischievous macaques travel down from the mountains to bathe in the steamy natural hot springs before heading back into the safety of the forests at night.

This four-colour riso print has been inspired by traditional shin-hanga woodblock printing. Printed in Glasgow, UK by the acclaimed Risotto print studio.

Sento Bathhouse

A sentō (銭湯) is a type of communal bathhouse found in Japan. These establishments were once the norm for people to visit for daily bathing routines, but since the second half of the 20th century when bathtubs became a more standard feature in Japanese homes, their numbers have decreased significantly. Dedicated bathhouse regulars insist that sentō are not just about bathing—they carry social and cultural importance, too. The time spent bathing and relaxing with fellow community members in such an intimate environment has a clear influence on maintaining strong relationships.

A common feature found throughout many bathhouses are the large, painted murals of Mount Fuji looming over the premises.

This four-colour riso print has been inspired by traditional shin-hanga woodblock printing. Printed in Glasgow, UK by the acclaimed Risotto print studio.

Tokyo Street Scene

Originally commissioned by popular news site Unseen Japan, this A4 riso print features an illustration of a classic Japanese street. Printed in Nottingham, UK by Dizzy Ink print studio.

The World of Sumo Wrestling

Sumo is the national sport of Japan and has a rich history of ancient traditions and rituals. Wrestlers, called 力士 (rikishi), compete in six divisions as administered by the Japan Sumo Association. When a rikishi reaches the second highest division, 十両 (juryō), he is considered to be a professional and earns a salary along with significant privileges. The top division, 幕内 (makuuchi), consists of 42 wrestlers who compete in regular tournaments to win the coveted Emperor's Cup.

Sumo is long thought by many foreigners to be mysterious and difficult to understand, but the basic rules are simple—a wrestler loses a match when any part of his body other than the soles of his feet touches the ground, or if he steps outside the 土俵 (dohyō).

My riso print depicts iconic elements of the sumo sport. Printed in Glasgow, UK by the acclaimed Risotto print studio.