About Linda

Water and nature are the inspirations for the Mokuhanga prints of Michigan environmental artist, Linda J. Beeman. Living in the rural lower peninsula, she seeks out the common beauty found in the lakes, rivers, and wetlands to transform into her art. She is passionate about showcasing and conserving these natural areas and capturing them in the ancient and complex Japanese art form of Mokuhanga.

Mokuhanga – Moku means wood and Hanga means print. A woodblock is carved for each color while overlaying blocks create second, third and fourth colors. Water base pigments are brushed on to each block and then hand printed onto Japanese washi (paper). Each print may have 2 to 12 or more hand carved woodblocks. Traditionally, Mokuhanga was created by workshops of artisans – some carving parts of blocks and some printing. Linda designs, carves and prints each one herself. They are individual works of art, not copies. For that reason, editions are usually very limited and never reprinted.

Discovering what is exceptional in a location from scientists, conservationists, and park rangers, as well as her own experiential wanderings, the art she creates is embedded with the soul of place. From Mt. Fuji, Japan to Petrified Forest National Park of Arizona, understanding the eco-history of the location informs her works.

Linda’s work, influenced by her close ties to Japan, offers a sense of stillness, peace and shelter. Known for her subtle, quiet colors, the prints transport the viewer to a place of silence that is worth knowing and protecting.

Curriculum Vitae

  • Residencies

    Porcupine Mountain Wilderness State Park, Michigan

    Michigan Governor’s Residence

    Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan

    Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona

    Mokuhanga Innovative Laboratory, Kawaguchiko, Mt. Fuji, Japan

    Joya, Art+Ecologia, Parque Natural Sierra María - Los Vélez, Almería, Andalucía, Spain

    Mokuhanga Project Space, Washington

  • Exhibits, Awards, Publications, Curatorial

    Exhibits

    Over 100 solo and group exhibits in Japan, Great Britain, and across the United States

    Awards and Grants

    Over 30 prestigious awards and grants

    Publications

    Japanese Woodcut – Carol Wilhide Justin –2024

    The Unfinished Print podcast, Linda J Beeman – Printmaker: Sacred Spaces – Oct. 2022

    Professional Artist Magazine “Green” edition – April/May 2014

    The Art of Sleeping Bear Dunes – Leelanau Press - 2013


    CURATORIAL PROJECTS
    2013 – 2018 – Founding Director and Curator | Art From the Lakes
    Art From the Lakes is a multi-year exchange program dedicated to integrating professional
    artists from the sister-states of Michigan and Shiga Prefecture in a bicultural exchange
    celebrating the 50 year Sister State relationship through the visual arts. 

    2018 – Michigan and Shiga “Art Brut” Disability Art Exhibition at Meijer Garden and Sculpture Park Gallery, Grand Rapids, MI
    2017 –Shiga and Michigan artists exhibition, Otsu Prince Hotel, Shiga, Japan.
    2015 – 1 Shiga and 1 Michigan artist exhibited at Interlochen Center for the Arts, Interlochen, MI
    2014 – 4 Michigan artists exhibited at Gallery Karahashi, Otsu, Shiga
    2013 – 6 Shiga artists exhibited at Lansing Art Gallery, Lansing, MI

    2017 – Curator | Contemporary Mokuhanga: Three Interpretations of Japanese Woodblock, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Corson Auditorium, Interlochen, MI.
    2014 – Curator | Peddle Back Through Time, Historical bicycle collection of Richard Morris, Shiawassee Art Center, Owosso, MI

  • Education and Faculty

    Education

    University of Kansas

    Dundas Valley School of Art, Ontario

    Lansing Community College, Michigan

    Mott Community College, Michigan

    Faculty/Instructor

    Interlochen College of Creative Arts, Interlochen, MI

    Virginia Museum of Fine Art Studio School, Richmond, VA

    The Workhouse, Lorton, VA

    Les Cheneaux Arts Center, Hessel, MI

    Japan Center for Michigan Universities, Hikone, Shiga, Japan

    College for Creative Studies, Detroit, MI

    Peninsula School of Art, Door County. WI

    Shiawassee Art Center, Owosso, MI