Paul Denhoed - Paper Educator & Paper Maker : The Economy of Scale

For the past few years, I have begun to study Japanese washi in my own time. As a mokuhanga printmaker, and through The Unfinished Print, I have been taught to see Japanese washi in many different ways: how it is made, how it is used, and, more importantly for me, how people view this indelible medium in our mokuhanga practice. I speak with Paul Denhoed, a paper researcher and papermaker based in Japan. I had the opportunity to attend a few of Paul's lectures here in Toronto at the Japanese Paper Place, and I came away from those lectures intrigued and wanting to learn more about Japanese washi. Paul discusses his work in Japan helping to make washi, what the term washi means, and how the different paper producers in Japan work—and don't work—together. Paul shares his experiences with Richard Flavin, and Hiroaki Imai. We look at how these experiences shaped his work today and continue to shape his work into tomorrow. We also go into detail about kōzo and one of the key ingredients in Japanese washi, neri: how it is used and how it helps create beautiful washi. Please follow The Unfinished Print and my own mokuhanga work on Instagram @andrezadoroznyprints or email me theunfinishedprint@gmail.com Notes: may contain a hyperlink. Simply click on the highlighted word or phrase. Artists works follow after the note if available. Pieces are mokuhanga unless otherwise noted. Dimensions are given if known. Print publishers are given if known. Paul Denhoed - Instagram Washi Academy - is the organization where Paul Denhoed works with Oguni Washi to offer immursive workshps for those interested in seeing traditional Japanese paper making in person. More info can be found, here. Instagram  Paper Talk - is a podcast hosted by paper artist and author Helen Hiebert, who explores how paper is used in many facets of the arts around the world. Her episode with Paul Denhoed can be found, here.  The Art and Craft of Paper by Faith Shannon - is the book referred to in my interview with Paul Denhoed. Faith Shannon (1938-2018) was born in India in 1938 and studied painting and bookbinding at the Belfast College of Art before continuing her studies at the Central School of Arts and Crafts and the Royal College of Art in London. A prominent bookbinder and educator, she taught bookbinding at Brighton Polytechnic, served as President of Designer Bookbinders, and published Paper Pleasures (later The Art and Craft of Paper) in 1987. Shannon worked primarily on commissioned bindings for collectors and presentations, approaching each book as a unique combination of materials, design, craftsmanship, and artistic interpretation. How "washi" is made - here is a video to get you started on your paper journey. It goes into detail about how Japanese paper is made. It was produced by Japanese Industry Process in August, 2026. You can find the video, here.  Richard Flavin (1943-2020) - was a printmaker, papermaker, letterpress printer, and artist with a strong interest in Japan, particularly traditional culture, and utilitarian antiques. He was committed to Japanese hand papermaking and woodcut printmaking. More info, here.   Richard Flavin Washi House - can be found, here.    Oguni Washi - is a traditional Japanese paper from Niigata Prefecture, deeply connected to the snowy landscapes of Japan's "snow country." Recognized as an Intangible Cultural Treasure by Japan and Niigata Prefecture, Oguni Washi is distinguished by a unique process in which the paper is buried beneath snow until spring. As the snow melts, the paper is brought into the sunlight, resulting in a lustrous, pristine finish. This distinctive approach reflects the relationship between local climate, traditional papermaking knowledge, and the enduring beauty of washi. More info, here.   Hiroaki Imai - is a papermaker and one of the people resp