puupiirrossa

Puupiirros on relief printmaking, a traditional grafiikan tekniikka, in which kuva carved into a wooden block becomes the printing matrix. The areas that will print are left raised, while the carved-away portions remain blank. The block is inked on its raised surfaces, and paper is pressed onto it to transfer the image. The result is a print that is typically high in contrast, with strong lines and textures influenced by the wood’s grain.

Carving is done with gouges, knives, and other cutting tools. Through careful line work, hatching and cross-hatching, artists create varying tones and details. A single block can produce multiple impressions, making puupiirrosta suitable for editions, usually signed and numbered by the artist. Color can be added by using several blocks, each carrying a different ink, or by applying color to the paper after printing.

Historically, puupiirroksia have been used widely in East Asia and Europe for book illustrations and standalone prints. The technique is valued for its bold graphic potential and its tactile textures, which reflect the material qualities of the wood. In Finnish art discourse, puupiirros is taught as a foundational graphic method and remains a part of contemporary printmaking practice. Many modern artists combine puupiirrosten processes with drawing, painting, or digital design, exploring both traditional and experimental approaches. The method emphasizes reproducibility—an image can be reprinted in editions—while also allowing unique variations through hand-inking, inking density, and color decisions.