Hasui Kawase
May 18, 1883 – November 7, 1957
Hasui Kawase was a Japanese artist who was one of 20th century Japan’s most important and prolific printmakers. He was a prominent designer of the shin-hanga (“new prints”) movement, whose artists depicted traditional subjects with a style influenced by Western art. Like many earlier ukiyo-e prints, Hasui’s works were commonly landscapes, but displayed atmospheric effects and natural lighting.
Hasui designed almost one thousand woodblock prints over a career that spanned nearly forty years. Towards the end of his life the government recognized him as a Living National Treasure for his contribution to Japanese culture.
Hasui is my personal favorite Japanese print artist as my father brought two of his prints to us in Guam after the war. I have collected many of his prints which I exhibit at Imagine Museum. I have honored him by placing his prints on the front and back cover of this book.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hasui_Kawase
Artist · Munakata
When I was living in Japan, this artist, Munakata, was the most famous woodblock print artist. He was awarded the Order of Culture, the highest honor in the arts, by the Japanese government in 1970.
“Though you can conquer 1,000 men in battle 1,000 times, he who conquers himself [his hatred, his prejudice, his reactivity] is the noblest victor of all.”— Buddhist quote
“They are an intriguing people. From the moment they wake, they devote themselves to the perfection of whatever they pursue. I have never seen such discipline.”— The Last Samurai
Artist · Sasajima
This woodblock print artist, Sasajima, was a student of Munakata.
“A warrior is worthless unless he rises above others and stands strong in the midst of a storm.”— Yamamoto Tsunetomo
“Today is victory over yourself of yesterday, tomorrow is your victory over lesser men.”— Miyamoto Musashi
“We build too many walls and not enough bridges.”— Isaac Newton