Daryl Howard Art: Japanese Woodblock Prints and Collage

In 770 A.D., woodblock prints first appeared in Japan, a country that has enjoyed a long tradition of woodblock print making. Howard's technique of woodblock printing is exclusively the traditional Japanese method which she studied in Tokyo, Japan under Master Hodaka Yoshida, in the 1970's. A woodcarving is done for each individual color in the print. Each of Daryl's prints typically range from 4-10 colors which translates to 4-10 separate carved blocks of wood to complete each print. Watercolor and rice paste are applied with a Japanese brush to the wood. A dampened piece of handmade mulberry "Kizuki" paper is placed on the block and pressure is then applied, transferring the color to the paper. Two sides of each piece of paper are exactingly cut at right angles for the registration of the paper to the woodblock. The precise hand-registration of the paper to each block must be repeated many times throughout the creation of one print; a minute miscalculation at any step in the printing process will result in a ruined print. Daryl's signature of 22K gold, silver, or copper leaf is applied last as embellishment to the print. Along with limited edition woodblock prints, Daryl also creates one of a kind collages. Each collage is a unique original. Daryl begins each collage by creating a metallic leafed board for the background. The entire surface of the board is covered with 22K gold, sterling silver or copper leaf. Cut or torn papers are used to create shapes within the piece, while textured areas are created from applied gemstones and earth pigments. Highlighted areas within the piece are created with overlays of metallic leaf. Daryl also incorporates antique Japanese Ukiyoe woodblock prints and kimono fabrics within her collage. Daryl's collage process is evolutionary- each piece builds and layers in the next.