|
|
|
Katsunori
Hamanishi
Born: 1949, Hokkaido Medium: Mezzotint, with aquatint, metallic foil & mixed media
Hamanishi studied painting
and graduated from Tokai University with a degree in Art, in 1973.
Since then, he has been living in the Tokyo area, where his primary
focus is printmaking. Mezzotint is a variation of intaglio printing--an
exacting and laborious process whereby ink is transferred from below
the surface of the plate by use of a press. First, the entire copper
plate is indented with a toothed steel rocker tool. Worked in all
directions, this creates an even finely-grained texture over the
surface of the plate. Each pit will hold ink and were the plate
inked at this stage, it would print almost solid black.
His genius is in balancing calm and meditative qualities with the energetic tensions of inanimate and natural objects. Early work had such things as pipes and branches wrapped with cloth, later rope, then straw; most recently rice plants have been a common element. He has also been exploring the use of color and metallic leaf in his artwork. There is always a sense of mystery and intrigue in the complex mezzotint prints that come from Hamanishi’s deft hands. They compel the viewer to do a slow, thoughtful examination in order to fully absorb the vision the artist intends. Exhibitions: Collections: |
|
The Ren Brown Collection
Gallery
Contemporary Japanese Prints, California Artists & Sculptors, Antique Japanese Furnishings 1781 Coast Highway One, Bodega Bay, CA 94923 USA (707)875-2922 URL: www.renbrown.com All rights reserved, Copyright © 1999 - 2002 E-mail: rbc4art@renbrown.com |
To
create the design the artist smoothes out some of the pits with
a burnisher so they will hold less ink. Where highlights are required
the plate is burnished and polished quite smooth. A wide range of
tones are possible in mezzotint and the process can usually be recognized
by a light design on a velvety black background. Hamanishi is internationally
known for his mastery of this medium. He creates images with both
subtle detail and dynamic composition that explore spatial relationships.