Michigan-based artist and filmmaker Mary Brodbeck turns the camera here on her own work in creating woodblock prints. Inspired by the great masters Hiroshige and Hokusai, Brodbeck moves in a community of like-minded Western and Japanese creative artists who are eager to keep this ancient practice alive and relevant. Becoming Made looks at the complex, time-consuming effort needed for this visually vibrant art form. Brodbeck is a charming onscreen presence and patient instructor, demonstrating the intensive preparation necessary for creating a woodblock print. Brodbeck's very careful consideration of materials being used—especially in regard to the watercolor inks that give the prints their sharp hues—brings a Zen-worthy appreciation to the creative process. Along the way, poet-philosopher Mark Nepo provides a gentle running commentary, and viewers meet other contemporary woodblock print creators, while also being introduced to the classic Japanese works that still inspire and intrigue art lovers. Highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall)
Becoming Made
(2014) 35 min. DVD: $18. Mary Brodbeck Productions. PPR. ISBN: 978-0-692-31394-7. Volume 30, Issue 2
Becoming Made
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