Bathing in Brittany 

Kanae Yamamoto made this woodblock print depicting "Bathing in Brittany." Yamamoto's print relies on a relief process using wood, one of the oldest materials used in printmaking. This process involves carving into a block of wood, leaving a raised design to hold ink, and then pressing paper against the block to transfer the image. The resulting image showcases bold lines and textures, enhanced by the natural grain of the wood. The image resonates with the artistic movements that integrated craft into fine art, showing how the artist uses material and process to express his vision. The act of carving into wood, combined with the subject matter—a lone figure against the raw power of nature—creates a dialogue between human labor, artistic skill, and the elemental world. The print captures a sense of isolation, while also celebrating the human body and its relationship with the natural environment. Ultimately, this print challenges traditional views of art by highlighting the inherent value of craft and manual skill in the creative process.