Japanese Woodblock Print Workshop by April Vollmer

If you are in the market to purchase a book on a new and exotic craft, Japanese Woodblock Print Workshop by April Vollmer will introduce you to a new genre.  This hardcover book is a blend between a gift book and instructional guide.  This book is just as suitable for those who are interested in gaining a world wide perspective on art as well as hobbyists who want to try an eclectic and new art project.  This minimalist, modern designed book features a color coordinated abstract nature print resembling either trees or flowers.  The interior features full color photographs not only of art samples but also the materials needed and step by step instructional photographs.  The stylized art has a washed out watercolor impression as the colors are often muted- not bold or bright.  In my opinion the most impressive pieces of art were featured on the front and back covers.  The interior art looks like a combination between folk and modern abstract art combined.  I do not believe there is a sufficient number of pieces of art featured to qualify this book as either a gift book or art book.  There is a history of Japanese woodworking included in this book, giving the reader a broad background into this type of art.  A history student of Asian or Japanese studies may find an interest in this book as well as anyone looking for a new idea for a project. It fulfills a niche market of interest, but most likely wont be aesthetically pleasing for those who prefer oil paintings and traditional art.  I could see how some of these ideas might be integrated into modern home decor as part of a DIY project. This book would look sophisticated on anyone's bookshelf although this niche book would not be aimed for the general population. As a blogger I received a copy of this book published by Watson-Guptill Publications an imprint of Crown Publishing for the purpose of writing this review.