刀の刃教室 Tou-no-ha Kyoushitsu - The Knife School
Starting in 2011 Terry was fortunate to spend two years living in Kyoto, Japan and studying under established mokuhanga artist and teacher, Richard Steiner, who was taught by the Hiroshima mokuhanga master Masahiko Tokumitsu 徳光真散彦, one of the founders of the Independant Print Movement in Japan. Read about Tokumitsu Sensei and see some of his work: GALLERY HERE.
Richard received his teacher's license and artist's name 刀斉 Tousai (Flexible knives) from Mr Tokumitsu.
This is the traditional system in Japan, where the teacher decides whether the student has reached the appropriate level to work and teach others on their own.
At the end of his time with Richard, Terry was fortunate to receive a teacher's license and name 刀楽 Touraku, from him.
About Richard Steiner
Richard Steiner has been teaching mokuhanga in Kyoto for the past 40 years to a variety of students: Westerners, Japanese, and children. As a Western artist who learned from a traditional Japanese teacher, Masahiko Tokumitsu, he is able to teach mokuhanga in a way that is accessible for both Japanese and Western students. For many years Richard has taught from his studio in the heart of Kyoto.
You can find more information about Richard and his work on his personal website Richard Steiner's Home Page
Recently Richard held a 50 year retrospective in Kyoto. You can see a short video of the exhibition here: