What elevates the work of renowned artist Katsue Inoue is the intrinsic joy that exudes from her woodblock prints, which are themselves an arduous labor of love.
Originally a kimono dyer in her Niigata Prefecture hometown, Katsue Inoue transferred her creative skills to woodblock prints.
Around 40 years ago, she was discovered by her mentor, print master Shiko Munakata, who remarked that she depicted “graceful scenery in such a refined yet effortless manner, as though enjoying a hobby.”
Now 84, Inoue has received numerous accolades at home and abroad and has exhibited annually at the CWAJ Print Show.
She says it takes up to four months to simply soften her signature black ink, which is ground thousands of times with a mortar and pestle.
She then uses the ink to illustrate delicate floral images, such as tulips from a childhood flower garden or the snow camellia that bloom every spring in her hometown, on handmade rice paper.
“I wish to create art that expresses appreciation to the plants and flowers that enhance our everyday lives, and print those flowers on woodblocks in a way that would have them take root in the hearts of people,” she says.
Gallery Exhibition
May 22–June 11
Gallery Reception
Free
Open to adults, invitees and Members only
