The fact that it is all made by hand, that it takes dedication and patience and real craftsmanship is what gives these pieces of art it's worth, also they're just real pretty too.
Wow, if you just stop and think how much time, effort, respect, and love went into making just one of those books, it's amazing. Handmade products are such a gift.
In the same way Bob Ross’ passion for painting lured me in and began my interest in painting, David’s passion for woodblock printing has drawn me in and I continue to visit this page time and time again.
And here we are , April 2021. TWITCH show and tell, Dave finally has revealed first two sets,six books ( from 2007), and let me tell you something,I was speechless how beautiful those prints are!
What an ARDUOUS process - when made in volume it must become super labor intensive and time consuming - requires tremendous patience too - great efforts Dave!
Dave, I want to thank you for these videos. I came upon your channel by chance a few evenings ago and have quickly developed a great appreciation for your craft and for you as a person. In our world today it is more important than ever to hold onto our traditions, to the things that make us human. So few young people recognize this, so to see you here spreading such a rich and storied medium to the next generation in a way that they can relate to and appreciate, it is truly something special. I am 19 years old and just starting to stumble into what I may want to do with my life, being so young nearly everyday I hope to learn something that will challenge and develop my perspective. In the few days that I've "known" you, so to speak, you have done this for me in great volume. You are a very interesting individual with a profound insight and wisdom that is missing from the lives of so many, I hope you will share this with us more, it would wonderful to hear more of your thoughts and stories. You have alot to offer future generations beyond just Ukiyo-e.
Thanks so much for doing what you do, Mr. Bull. Witnessing your mastery of this craft inspires me to keep sharpening the skills respective to my own life.
I love all of your videos, no one has been able to make me so interested in a topic I was otherwise unaware of. You truly are the Bob Ross of your field, I wish the best for you and your business!
Thank you as always David. Your videos are always something truly beautiful, and your character as an individual is something to aspire to. All the best of wishes to you and your work.
as for the comments on how complex it seems to bound books in that way, i can assure you, for having a training with a western bookbinder, it's way simpler (and often more elegant) than traditional western bookbinding.
Dave, you are a fans fan sir. Those little edits such as the very first clip are what make me watch every one of your videos. So relaxing and so educational at the same time. Every video feels new haha, keep doin what you’re doin! You could literally do a video without even saying a word and heck people would still watch it haha
Hello David, I would be interested in seeing how you maintain the equipment you are using. Like the brushes you use for ink, how you replace the bamboo leaf on the baren, what do you do with the excess ink etc...etc. Basically, what do you do when you close shop and go home at night or open in the morning. In short....everything else beside carving and printing. Thanks. Cheers from Kingston, ON !
Rather a few too many questions to handle here in a UA-cam comment I think! :-) Perhaps if you visit this page of my website, you'll find links to pages that cover many of the things you ask about ... woodblock.com/front.html
The latest batch ... the ones done just after the Asakusa shop opened in 2014 ... don't have audio, as I was too snowed under to get it done. And the audio on the _earliest_ ones back near the beginning is pretty poor ... I'd like to get them all done properly at some point ... Thanks for listening!
Bought two prints yesterday they're beautiful and amazing I by all means think you need Equal Credit the wood-box stuff is so beautiful thank you so much....
Hello David, I was very interesting because seen Japan bookbinding every time without first step you make, that with paper knot was new for me, one hand seen that some have use Japanese screw hole punch for it. :)
Hello David I want to tell you that I love your work and I am very tempted to start doing some things. I always worked with metal I am Chasiling / Goldsmith but I find your art very interesting and I wanted to ask your advice, I would like to know the measurements of the work bench that is close to the floor is perfect for my column kkk and secondly where I can buy quality tools ok I want to leave a strong hug with the hope of speaking in brave a hug from here from Portugal
Dave, I have to ask, and I mean no offense, but how old are you? You seem incredibly spry and enthusiastic, and you seem to be a picture of health. What's your secret?
Your phrase: "... seem incredibly spry and enthusiastic, and you seem to be a picture of health ..." applied perfectly to my father too, who left us last year suddenly at age 89. So all I can say is I guess it's just because of the DNA ... I'm currently 66, and I'd like to think that I can make it past the age he got to, but these things are not under our own control, are they ...
David Bull You know what they say, you’re only as old as you feel. Good for you, sir. You remind me a great deal of my father, too, which is why I had to ask! Huge fan of your work, can’t wait to see what you do next.
I came across your videos by chance and I had no Idea how interesting this art form was. Thank you for your work. I also have to ask... was one of those pages your take on Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle, and Pikachu?
Not _my_ take ... these were created by our partner, the artist Jed Henry. But yes, these are perhaps related to the characters you mention ... Please check Jed's website for more: ukiyoeheroes.com
We're building a new shop downstairs, working mostly in the evenings ... and spring has arrived, with the shop upstairs being basically 'sold out' of Print Parties every day ... and we're short-staffed. The next video (proof printing of 'The Serpent Strikes) is now partly edited ... I'll try to get it finished soon ...
No pressure David. We all understand that you are a very busy chap. I'm glad that business is going well for you and the clan. I look forward to the new video. Thanks for the reply :)
No no ... there are still a number of workshop around making prints. Adachi is still in business, and the Tokyo craftsmen's association is currently making a shunga project. There are things being done here and there ... I'm not the only game in town.
Three General Questions: 1. Why can't you just create a key block with the full picture, put all the colors where they need to be, and make the print in one step? 2. Isn't Jed's job harder? It requires actual artistic ability. While Dave's job is important, isn't it just tracing lines? Cutting along the lines that Jed or other artists have designated and removing the excess spaces? I see how it can take a while, but it's still just tracing. Anyone with a sharp knife can do it. 3. Why can't Dave create his own drawings and bypass the need for an outside artist? Forgive my ignorance.
I can't speak for Dave, but I'll try answering according to my understanding. 1. You can certainly do that for simple print designs, but for ones that account for layering colors on different planes, then that would be a nightmare, especially if you want all the prints to look the same. 2. Different jobs, different skill sets. Isn't a sculptor just hacking away at a piece of wood or marble? While it is simple to carve away simple shapes, it's very difficult to translate minute details like multiple tiny sharp corners or very fine lines microscopic in width precisely. That takes a very steady hand tempered by years of experience. You're looking at the carving Dave does and have the impression that it's easy because he makes it look easy. Like watching a pot maker or welder do their thing. It looks easy but when you actually get down and try it yourself, you find that you have no idea how to even begin translating the design to actual physical form. 3. Again, different skill sets. If you're talented you can certainly just carve your own drawings. An engineer can build a building according to his own design without the need for an architect, but if you're running a business and pressed for time, it'd be a lot more efficient if you did work according to your specialization.
1. This question doesn't scan ... please watch some of the other videos, and you'll see how the process works ... 2. Different skill set. He draws, I make. Apple and Foxconn As to the 'anyone with a sharp knife ...', please give it a try! 3. = 2.
That finished book is a thing of absolute beauty and exquisite craftsmanship. A great job from everyone involved at Mokuhankan.
When he closed up like a surgeon and then picked up everything together for the first time, all I could think was: "... what a thing of art."
The fact that it is all made by hand, that it takes dedication and patience and real craftsmanship is what gives these pieces of art it's worth, also they're just real pretty too.
This guy seems so genuine. It’s easy to see he loves and cares about his work.
It is rare indeed to find a man who enjoys his work this much... May he continue to make these precious objects.
Wow, if you just stop and think how much time, effort, respect, and love went into making just one of those books, it's amazing. Handmade products are such a gift.
In the same way Bob Ross’ passion for painting lured me in and began my interest in painting, David’s passion for woodblock printing has drawn me in and I continue to visit this page time and time again.
And here we are , April 2021. TWITCH show and tell, Dave finally has revealed first two sets,six books ( from 2007), and let me tell you something,I was speechless how beautiful those prints are!
What an ARDUOUS process - when made in volume it must become super labor intensive and time consuming - requires tremendous patience too - great efforts Dave!
Dear Dave, this is a very educational video! Thank you for sharing this.
Dave, I want to thank you for these videos. I came upon your channel by chance a few evenings ago and have quickly developed a great appreciation for your craft and for you as a person. In our world today it is more important than ever to hold onto our traditions, to the things that make us human. So few young people recognize this, so to see you here spreading such a rich and storied medium to the next generation in a way that they can relate to and appreciate, it is truly something special. I am 19 years old and just starting to stumble into what I may want to do with my life, being so young nearly everyday I hope to learn something that will challenge and develop my perspective. In the few days that I've "known" you, so to speak, you have done this for me in great volume. You are a very interesting individual with a profound insight and wisdom that is missing from the lives of so many, I hope you will share this with us more, it would wonderful to hear more of your thoughts and stories. You have alot to offer future generations beyond just Ukiyo-e.
Thanks so much for doing what you do, Mr. Bull. Witnessing your mastery of this craft inspires me to keep sharpening the skills respective to my own life.
Love the simple and clean look of the binding. Just great to see what you can do with a basic technique
I haven't caught a stream to say this but I just got my Chibi print and it is even more gorgeous than the videos show. Keep up the amazing work!
I love all of your videos, no one has been able to make me so interested in a topic I was otherwise unaware of. You truly are the Bob Ross of your field, I wish the best for you and your business!
Yeah, David is back! Long-anticipated video.
Thank you as always David. Your videos are always something truly beautiful, and your character as an individual is something to aspire to. All the best of wishes to you and your work.
So great to see hand craftsmen in this tech world. Amazing work.
as for the comments on how complex it seems to bound books in that way, i can assure you, for having a training with a western bookbinder, it's way simpler (and often more elegant) than traditional western bookbinding.
The man himself!! Dave is back
Dave, you are a fans fan sir. Those little edits such as the very first clip are what make me watch every one of your videos. So relaxing and so educational at the same time. Every video feels new haha, keep doin what you’re doin! You could literally do a video without even saying a word and heck people would still watch it haha
Excellent job!! Well done, thank you for sharing this beautiful process with us. Have a great week!
Glad you're back, I love this channel!
Hello David, I would be interested in seeing how you maintain the equipment you are using. Like the brushes you use for ink, how you replace the bamboo leaf on the baren, what do you do with the excess ink etc...etc. Basically, what do you do when you close shop and go home at night or open in the morning. In short....everything else beside carving and printing.
Thanks. Cheers from Kingston, ON !
Rather a few too many questions to handle here in a UA-cam comment I think! :-) Perhaps if you visit this page of my website, you'll find links to pages that cover many of the things you ask about ... woodblock.com/front.html
These books are absolute treasures!
OMG I just found the weekly stories on Dave's website and they have AUDIO!!
ASMR galore :D :D
The latest batch ... the ones done just after the Asakusa shop opened in 2014 ... don't have audio, as I was too snowed under to get it done. And the audio on the _earliest_ ones back near the beginning is pretty poor ... I'd like to get them all done properly at some point ... Thanks for listening!
I'd love to have that book with pictures of nature. Incredible!
I would love to purchase one of your books in the future!
The books look beautiful mate.
Bought two prints yesterday they're beautiful and amazing I by all means think you need Equal Credit the wood-box stuff is so beautiful thank you so much....
What fantastic works of art
Glad you found your Solitudes book in the end ;)
a jedi at work again.
I missed the kickstarter, which I truly lament. I hope that perhaps these might be for sale at some point, even for a limited time.
this is my favorite channel
Beautiful work as always!
That is so darn cool.
"That's how we roll here". Nice 👌
David, will you be doing any more stories like the one about ito-san? It was really interesting and ultimately relaxing to hear 😁
Hello David, I was very interesting because seen Japan bookbinding every time without first step you make, that with paper knot was new for me, one hand seen that some have use Japanese screw hole punch for it. :)
What kind of drill press?! I love that!
Good concept. I think I will use that the next time I handmake a book.
Seriously beautiful end product. Can I still get my hands on one?
I find it fascinating what you do ^_^
If I had a job I would join a Kickstarter subscription of yours.
Do they have to quietly own it or can they boast lovingly about you and your teams astoundingly beautiful work?! 😍
so when you hammer the koyori it flattens out and is not at risk for undoing itself?
Hello David I want to tell you that I love your work and I am very tempted to start doing some things. I always worked with metal I am Chasiling / Goldsmith but I find your art very interesting and I wanted to ask your advice, I would like to know the measurements of the work bench that is close to the floor is perfect for my column kkk and secondly where I can buy quality tools ok I want to leave a strong hug with the hope of speaking in brave a hug from here from Portugal
Dave, I have to ask, and I mean no offense, but how old are you? You seem incredibly spry and enthusiastic, and you seem to be a picture of health. What's your secret?
born in 1951
goo.gl/okk3Fe
Your phrase: "... seem incredibly spry and enthusiastic, and you seem to be a picture of health ..." applied perfectly to my father too, who left us last year suddenly at age 89. So all I can say is I guess it's just because of the DNA ... I'm currently 66, and I'd like to think that I can make it past the age he got to, but these things are not under our own control, are they ...
David Bull You know what they say, you’re only as old as you feel. Good for you, sir. You remind me a great deal of my father, too, which is why I had to ask! Huge fan of your work, can’t wait to see what you do next.
The secret is dont retire. Humans are meant to struggle.
We can only hope so :-) Do you follow any particular rituals or diets that you think keep you so well? Many Thanks.
You should do a PBS show, Bob Ross style.
Simply wonderful.
i like the second binding method way more.
Can you teach us hair carving techniques?
If you look in one of our previous videos, you will see the hair carving process, step by step: ua-cam.com/video/24Nz40Y0e_A/v-deo.html
David Bull Thank you!
Hi Dave! Will anything like this be done again at some point?
Yes indeed; there will be a Volume 2, once we have enough designs for it ...
@@seseragistudio Also, was there some sort of party out there where you dust off the print? lol. Someone seemed to be having quite a time!
I came across your videos by chance and I had no Idea how interesting this art form was.
Thank you for your work.
I also have to ask... was one of those pages your take on Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle, and Pikachu?
Not _my_ take ... these were created by our partner, the artist Jed Henry. But yes, these are perhaps related to the characters you mention ... Please check Jed's website for more: ukiyoeheroes.com
awww yiss, new David vid!
Hey, it's been awhile
staring at that shibe doll pretending hes the one explaining this.
2:08 That is incredbile
Dave!!!! Where are you? It's been weeks. I'm having serious withdrawals haha. Hope you and the rest of the crew are well and good :)
We're building a new shop downstairs, working mostly in the evenings ... and spring has arrived, with the shop upstairs being basically 'sold out' of Print Parties every day ... and we're short-staffed. The next video (proof printing of 'The Serpent Strikes) is now partly edited ... I'll try to get it finished soon ...
No pressure David. We all understand that you are a very busy chap. I'm glad that business is going well for you and the clan. I look forward to the new video. Thanks for the reply :)
where to buy this book?
such a beautiful thing...
Oh Dave
Dave, are you the only one in Japan that is carving, printing and making sales?
No no ... there are still a number of workshop around making prints. Adachi is still in business, and the Tokyo craftsmen's association is currently making a shunga project. There are things being done here and there ... I'm not the only game in town.
David Bull Awesome. Thank you for the reply. I love your videos. I use some of them for ASMR.
Thanks, very interesting!
I love it!
1:56 👁👄👁
The real question is when will we see a hitomi tanaka wood block print.
awesome
The video does not start ?
incredible
Hi
That satisfying moment when you turn 999 Likes into 1K
Thank you! :-)
david you look really tired in this video, i hope you're not working yourself too hard
ASMR SQUAD
Three General Questions:
1. Why can't you just create a key block with the full picture, put all the colors where they need to be, and make the print in one step?
2. Isn't Jed's job harder? It requires actual artistic ability. While Dave's job is important, isn't it just tracing lines? Cutting along the lines that Jed or other artists have designated and removing the excess spaces? I see how it can take a while, but it's still just tracing. Anyone with a sharp knife can do it.
3. Why can't Dave create his own drawings and bypass the need for an outside artist?
Forgive my ignorance.
I can't speak for Dave, but I'll try answering according to my understanding.
1. You can certainly do that for simple print designs, but for ones that account for layering colors on different planes, then that would be a nightmare, especially if you want all the prints to look the same.
2. Different jobs, different skill sets. Isn't a sculptor just hacking away at a piece of wood or marble? While it is simple to carve away simple shapes, it's very difficult to translate minute details like multiple tiny sharp corners or very fine lines microscopic in width precisely. That takes a very steady hand tempered by years of experience. You're looking at the carving Dave does and have the impression that it's easy because he makes it look easy. Like watching a pot maker or welder do their thing. It looks easy but when you actually get down and try it yourself, you find that you have no idea how to even begin translating the design to actual physical form.
3. Again, different skill sets. If you're talented you can certainly just carve your own drawings. An engineer can build a building according to his own design without the need for an architect, but if you're running a business and pressed for time, it'd be a lot more efficient if you did work according to your specialization.
1. This question doesn't scan ... please watch some of the other videos, and you'll see how the process works ...
2. Different skill set. He draws, I make. Apple and Foxconn As to the 'anyone with a sharp knife ...', please give it a try!
3. = 2.
Where can I buy this ?