René Cortot, a 70-year-old artist, lives in the peaceful, rolling hills of Burgundy, France, where he creates intricate Japanese woodblock prints in a rural village steeped in farming tradition. His family has been tied to the land for generations, mainly raising cattle for their prized beef. While the rest of the family tends to the fields and cares for the animals, René spends his days in his modest studio, nestled at the edge of their farm, immersed in the ancient Japanese art form of mokuhanga (woodblock printing).

René’s journey into woodblock printing began later in life. After years of helping his family with the farm and navigating a lifetime of hard work, he stumbled upon an old book about Japanese art at a flea market in Dijon. That encounter sparked his curiosity and passion for mokuhanga, a discipline that spoke to his love for detail and the tactile nature of working with wood. Over the past two decades, he has taught himself the delicate craft, finding solace in the quiet rhythm of carving wood and printing by hand.

His prints often reflect the serene countryside that surrounds him—swirling skies above the vineyards, the stoic presence of the Charolais cows his family raises, and the vibrant autumn foliage. Yet, there’s also a distinct Japanese influence, inspired by the techniques of masters like Hokusai and Hiroshige, whom René deeply admires. Each print is a labor of love, representing hours of carving, inking, and printing.

René’s wife, Odette, is his greatest supporter. She adores his work and often tells him that his prints are just as much a part of their farm’s soul as the cattle that graze their fields. While René is content to share his work with the occasional curious neighbor, Odette dreams of seeing his art recognized more broadly. She has been diligently working to secure him a spot in an upcoming exhibition in the nearby city of Vitteaux, hoping that the world beyond their village will appreciate the unique blend of Japanese technique and Burgundian charm that defines René’s work.

Although René is humble about his talent, the thought of his prints being showcased fills him with quiet pride. His wife’s unwavering belief in him keeps his artistic flame burning, as he continues to perfect his craft in the peaceful solitude of rural France.