Located across the other side of the planet in the neon-light district of Japan, recent People of Print Member printmaker and artist Tomoko Kanzaki uses mimeograph technology to create his work. Kanzaki studied Fine Arts at Kyoto Seika University and graduated with a specialization in printmaking in 2006. After completing his studies, it was then that Kanzaki moved into the art of Mimeograph.
Mimeograph is a low-cost duplicating machine that works by forcing ink through a stencil onto paper. Think early photocopier but not so digitally orientated. Mimeographs were a common technology in printing small quantities, as in office work, classroom materials, and church bulletins. Early fanzines were printed with this technology because it was widespread and cheap. This sounds similar to the punk-ear where DIY zines, posters and other printed matter was made by culture groups allowing information to be widely spread at a low cost.
It’s been 100 years since then this printing technique has been in use, but according to Kanzaki, it was a very attractive printing technique. It was a simple mechanism allowing various expressions to be made possible. Currently, Kanzaki has launched a website called “10-48.net”, and as a “10-48 project”, holding workshops on the File PLATE Process as well as creating prints exploring abstract elements with some representational references from the environment such as landscapes or shapes from Japanese gardens.
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