Printmaking is thought to have emerged as early as the 1st century AD in China’s Han Dynasty. From its inception, this artistic medium’s capacity to replicate images and produce distinctive visual characteristics has left a significant imprint on various fields, ranging from book publishing to graphic design. A print is a work of art that is made in multiples and created through a transfer process. There are many techniques of printing, but the four best-known are etching, lithography, screenprint and woodcut.
We are first exploring woodcut block printing where intricately carved wooden blocks filled with colour are pressed onto fabric, a method also known as “hand blocked” or “hand block printing.” Each block is painstakingly crafted, and the process involves preparing fabric, mixing dyes, and adding finishing touches—all requiring a blend of artistry, skill, and patience.