It’s been thirty years since I became involved in woodblock printmaking, following in the footsteps of other artists. Before I began to make prints, I thought all ukiyo-e were hand-painted.

However, I found out that those were not only painted images but also multicolour prints. I was stunned by their intricate carving and fine gradations. I was fascinated by the world of ukiyo-e.

I once read in a book that, in the ukiyo-e era, ‘printers were wood carvers’ subcontractors’. I found it surprising and I thought: ‘The matrix remains the same while it’s the printing that can make the difference between a better and a worse artwork.’

I have selected two sketches for the exhibition: Under the Great Wave off Kanagawa and Fine Wind, Clear Morning from Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji, masterpieces by Hokusai and masterpieces of ukiyo-e both. Without changing the matrix, I tried to develop it into my own work.

I’d like to ask, ‘Mr Hokusai, what do you think about it?’