Making a kuchi-e print

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Another in the series of videos presented by Tokyo-based woodblock printmaker David Bull, in which I talk about aspects of my work. This episode describes my experiences when making a reproduction of a Meiji-period 'kuchi-e' (frontispiece) print, back in the autumn of 2004.
An interesting aspect to the discussion is my 'best guess' as to how the kuchi-e were produced in such large quantities in short time periods, and an attempt to answer some interesting mysteries involved in their production.
The 'Beauties of Four Seasons' series mentioned in the video lives here: woodblock.com/s...
Information on the 'Octopus' print is here:
theoctopusprint...
Videos of the production process will be uploaded to this RU-vid channel:
/ @theoctopusprint4841
The previous (similar) RU-vid video that I referenced - discussing my contact with the old carver Susumu Ito - is here:
• Remembering a carver -...
We now have a Patreon page for support of these videos:
/ mokuhankan

Опубликовано:

26 сен 2024

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Комментарии : 380

@DangerCrow 6 лет назад

Its so crazy that he set these long goals of 5-10 years to teach himself and perfect his craft. He clearly has a ton of dedication!

@jamessamuel1255 4 года назад

It’s truly amazing

@jmaprins 7 лет назад

I could listen to your stories for ever!

@christopherstosik9987 6 лет назад

you can

@bassface8580 4 года назад

If I met him I would be star struck. I would be lost for words and in awe. What a beautiful human being

@jamessamuel1255 4 года назад

He’s really amazing at just telling a tale in a classical way. It’s really amazing to listen to

@Kratoast. 7 лет назад

we had bob ross for paint and now we have david bull for master carving, both with luscious hair.

@tepsan 6 лет назад

Yes-

@Kockafalva 6 лет назад

carving little happy hair strains :)

@loganslimcrocks7622 5 лет назад

@Oliver Eales Damn Oliver, Bob Ross steal your bitch or somthin'?

@humanrayla4785 5 лет назад

Bro i wanted to comment "the bob ross of carving" you are well educated on the internet

@sexycavetroll2788 5 лет назад

@Oliver Eales holy crap dude...relax

@iSailorBoat 7 лет назад

Thank you for the amazing video and wonderful story. I could listen to your stories for hours. Your "ramble" videos are my favorites. Hearing a master craftsman talk about their work is just so inspiring and gives me a perspective I don't think I get to experience enough. Thank you and I can't wait for the next video!

@LuisEduardoNenes 7 лет назад

exact what i think and feel.

@iliekslothd6161 4 года назад

Here is a man who isn't just trying to make money or getting people's attention, but a man who is passionate in his craft and wanting to share his experience with others. I respect that 100% and I am looking forward to see what Mr Bull will share next! Whether short or long videos

@piperalpha 7 лет назад

Dave, you know, you keep apologizing for talking too much, or making videos that are "too long". Don't apologize! The thing is this: You have a life's experience from an obscure (for westernes, at least) yet immensely interesting and exacting industry. It is extremely interesting to hear about your thoughts and experiences. I hope you get more time for carving in the future, as well.

@frogman9380 3 года назад

@judah2267 5 месяцев назад

@@frogman9380word

@brandysigmon9066 5 лет назад

I've watched every video Mr. Bull has, some multiple times. I have come to the conclusion that he is an extremely intelligent man with a natural ability for story telling.

@thompson3rd 5 лет назад

Agree

@bassface8580 4 года назад

The knowledge this man has on old school Japanese printing is amazing and thank the lord he is showing the world that it even existed. Its astonishing. The amount of work and skill and detail that is able to be observed is truly mesmerising. I wouldnt know of this craft without Dave. God bless him. Every video he shares is educational and relaxing and you feel almost at home listening to his explanations of the amazing craft he is obsessed with. He is a master of his craft. I'm sure some were better at some points in time but it's amazing what he shows us and explains why things are important etc. I am blown away. Respect sir. May you live forever

@vanessathenavigator 2 года назад

Dave talking about wanting to get back to his carving beach warms my heart because we now know he was able to do so ❤️

@tubepkn 7 лет назад

I absolutely love it when you start talking about how in the old days these prints were made. This time the image of a printshop full with people from inexperienced kids working on paper wrappers (they printed that too?) to master carvers / printers working on expensive projects really struck me. Thanks!

@lawart5603 7 лет назад

Discovered this channel randomly today. FANTASTIC STUFF! I'm use to listening to just random videos at work, (music, standup comedy, silly trendy nonsense). But THIS is my new favourite thing to listen to. I feel like im there sitting in front of David listening to his stories, and they're so interesting and engaging. Thanks for the videos David

@barnehurs 6 лет назад

A new fan here, nothing better than listening and watching a true master craftsman. I don't know how I got here but listening to David's stories and knowledge i feel privileged

@sexycavetroll2788 5 лет назад

im so glad I found your channel. it was around Christmas and I was put in the hospital due to crohns. ended up needing a operation 2 days after Christmas and I was really depressed. I found this channel and was really inspired. I am a artist but mainly as a hobby and pencil and paper but just seeing the passion and drive with you gave me a lot of joy. I watched video after video of yours because it just helped my mood so much. thank you

@ezranathaniel86 7 лет назад

Don't know how I got here but I stayed.

@RichMitch 6 лет назад

#MeToo lol

@jamessamuel1255 4 года назад

I’m in the same position. This got recommended, and now I’m here to stay

@richardturi6927 5 лет назад

Thank you David for keeping the craft alive and your thoughts on our limitations at maintaining the highest levels of skill.

@shawnbottom4769 7 лет назад

I love this story. I love hearing about "disasters" in the world of a craftsman who then persevered and it became an opportunity to create an even better version. This is the best.

@BobanVagene Год назад

Dave, any time I’m stressed out, I watch this video. Not only is your voice relaxing, your pure enthusiasm for your craft is mesmerizing. Thank you for doing what you do!

@RikerLovesWorf 7 лет назад

I love how David says "I thought I would challenge this one"... definitely he's becoming Japanese! Japanese people often mix "challenge" and "try".

@RikerLovesWorf 7 лет назад

Definitely not MOST cases, only a few ways. The way he used it is exactly the same as my students do, which is awkward in normal English.

@RikerLovesWorf 7 лет назад

How often do you ever say "I would like to challenge that" or something. It's incredibly weird. Most people would say "I'd try to reproduce" or "I'd try to make" or "I'd challenge myself to make this" or "I would take on the challenge of this" or a multitude of other ways. No one except Japanese people who use challenge incorrectly would say "I thought I would challenge this" unless you're talking about challenging the ruling of a judge or something.

@jamessamuel1255 4 года назад

He also uses little bits like ‘でしょう’ at the end of English sentences, ‘ano’, ‘eto ne’. It reminds me of what I’ve started to do in my Japanese class now that I’ve grown slightly more proficient and practised in speaking Japanese

@DrWhom 3 года назад

another example is "do the 1000 copies and come back" - that's how you construct the imperative mood in Japanese.

@matthewsawczyn6592 Месяц назад

I noticed the same thing! I only know romantic languages, but the phenomenon of imposing one structure or phrasing on a different language is so universal 😅

@Jefferflakes 7 лет назад

dont apologize i love your rambles

@scottgrimmett7159 4 года назад

A meditation on life, career, opportunity and the choices that must be made, all wrapped and presented as a tribute to a traditional profession. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

@GumshoeGamer 5 лет назад

Sometimes RU-vid recommends me something interesting. This is one of those times.

@KeredAglo 3 года назад

Definitely worth it though

@phano6385 7 лет назад

I love to hear stories like this. They inspire me to put even just a little bit more effort and motivation into my own dedications.

@II-._.-II- 7 лет назад

I love these rambles as you like to call them. I can't wait to see that print finished.

@rhiannonm8132 7 лет назад

This kuchi-e print is perhaps my favorite print that I've seen so far. It's so delicate, so intimate, and so beautiful. I adore it.

@WizardNate 7 лет назад

I came home today, heated up some dinner and sat down to watch a video while I ate. I had my fingers crossed that you'd have posted something recently and lo and behold - here it is. I love your videos Dave. Each one manages to teach me something new and your storytelling ability is second to none. Thanks for the great content - I look forward to your next video!

@BigSkinnySlimm 4 года назад

Something I've struggled with personally is feeling as though I ramble too much. It's caused me actual issues. Beyond the hundred other reasons I very much enjoyed this video for (I could list them if you'd like), I appreciated it for the fact that I've found someone else that communicates the same way I do, and the positive feedback I'm seeing in your comments. Your tangents made me happy, and your apologies slightly sad. Let's resolve to ramble on happily together, and tell the stories we have to tell :) Please keep making these videos. Also, your video about Ito-san was truly moving. I felt as though I'd watched your whole life story, and yet here you are to keep it going for us! What a gift to RU-vid. Thank you :)

@-overdooo- 3 года назад

This is my favorite place on the internet.

@dylangrieveable 6 лет назад

Never has any RU-vid channel impacted me in such a positive way as this one; thanks Dave

@JacoxNovak 7 лет назад

I love listening to this, while I draw! Thank you!

@ellasian 7 лет назад

Your videos are always fascinating, David, but this one was particularly so. Thank you!

@AndreiBadoiu 7 лет назад

Opening up to us so beautifully! It's through passion that you can teach not only what you love doing, but also about how life led you through so many episodes, good or bad, but all with something to teach, on the work you do and on life itself alike. Keep sharing, there is much to say and we have much to listen, ponder and learn.

@eddescamp8749 7 лет назад

David - just got to listen to your Mar 30th ramble, and, as usual, it was wonderful to see and hear you talk with such passion about what you do so well. I believe others will join me in pleading with you to find a good office manager to help you organize things, so we can see more of your print-making skills! Thank you for the years of wonderful prints.

@rachellane2836 7 лет назад

I love to hear your stories David,your work is exquisite and the real life of a modern day artist is fraught with many jobs and many roles that take us away from our true purpose. But take solace in the fact that you,through your vidoes have inspired many of us beyond measure,in your own way passing on a beautiful craft and tradition. It is not time wasted,it is time well invested. Keep well my friend.

@justakidwholikesmstrlmnt2009 3 года назад

I am so glad to live in the same part of history as you, kind sir. You are amazing as you can be and I would love to watch you as you reach perfection and as I grow older. This is my way of saying thank you.

@PixelBytesPixelArtist 4 года назад

“it’s about an octopus” oh no oh no Oh No OH NO *OH NO*

@cbstrange4 3 года назад

Lol I was like “Like the one on Mad Men?” 😂

@charles7186 3 года назад

Man of culture as well, I see 😏

@Freakybugeyedweirdo 3 года назад

The one that started it all.

@finnybinny22 7 лет назад

Thank you for taking the time and effort to make this video. It is great to see someone talk about their true passion

@semibreve 2 года назад

Coming back to this video 5 years after it was posted, I truly hope that Mr Bull has found the time he needed to dedicate towards his carving. A beautiful watch as always.

@BZCAPMOOR 7 лет назад

You are a legend David, amazing stories and insights to this craft. Thank you.

@ThoseWhoDare 4 года назад

This is very nerdy ...... And very, very interesting. David is analyzing these woodblock prints like Sherlock Holmes. With great enthusiasm. Thanks for that 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

@Playerdue 7 лет назад

I love to watch these videos, you explain and tell stories in such a natural and interesting way! I really admire your perseverance, it's really inspiring.

@justinaldrich692 5 лет назад

I can't thank you enough for taking the time to make these videos for the public to view. Your extremely talented and humble at the same time. I've watched several of your videos.

@LongJohnJunior 11 месяцев назад

Just when you think this can’t can’t go any deeper it does and it’s just so good listening to all of your stories man I love it

@beveledeggs7494 7 лет назад

Love listening to you speak about these techniques, as a young printmaker, these explanations are very valuable to me. Love these videos, thank you.

@EnginAtik 7 лет назад

Your stories are honest, fluid and captivating; devotion to one's craft is the magic ingredient I think. Thank you for this video.

@enjoiorange 7 лет назад

Thank you for your work, I look forward to these videos and find them immensely interesting. Please keep carving because it makes the world that much more colorful

@BlueMentality 3 года назад

I really, really, really like your series of videos. Not one fails to make me smile. Thanks for what you do.

@tanyajdewet 2 года назад

David, how I adore listening to your wonderful adventures in Japanese block printing. Your manner of speaking appeals to me & I love the great intention you put behind every well thought out project. I feel like I’ve missed so much of your journey, but I’m catching up one video at a time. Thank you for sharing your creative life with me (I meant to say us, the RU-vid audiences) 😊

@chunga668 7 лет назад

I just stumbled on this channel and can't say enough how much I am enjoying David Bull's videos. Really great! Thank you!

@duartebarbara9680 7 лет назад

i love these, listening to people who have knowledge and history with something always have amazing stories to tell.

@Jonas-my6ld 4 года назад

I love David's videos...very informative, calming, etc.

@mbaxter22 7 лет назад

Much respect to you, sir. On a side note, this is some really darned effective unintentional ASMR.

@patriciajoubert426 3 года назад

I so just agree with the positive comments already made and I could not express myself as well as they. I feel you are an American treasure who has kept this kind of Japanese carving alive and given us a chance to see some of how it was done. You have worked so hard in a lifetime of exploration and hard work. I wish I had known about you earlier and had had a chance to maybe buy one of your collections of prints. I see you created a business that expanded and allowed you to live. But I can’t help feel sad that this has taken away your time to carve. It is a conundrum of life. Stay poor and carve or make a living and forget how to carve. But it is good that you are so aware of everything and I hope the persistence you have shown in your life will never leave you. Your life in my opinion has been very valuable. Thank you.

@pinacoladaqueen8161 7 лет назад

I stumbled across your videos and watched, riveted, to your stories. I am a wood burner "beginner" of 2 years.. lifetime artist. Your stories are inspiring and lesson teaching. i have painted several geisha over the years.. watching your carvings, will definitely influence my painting and burnings. Thank you for sharing. 💜💛💚💙

@dCash117 4 года назад

I've pretty much gotten the hang of the process, all I come back for is the rambling. I want to absorb all your information to keep it alive

@aidanguerin5192 7 лет назад

i always feel better about printing after hearing your story. you are a reservoir of inspiration

@denysephenix2349 5 лет назад

Oh David , what a patient and wonderful artist you are. You are humble and it is a pleasure to watch and listen. I hope i can buy some of your art.

@henochyagami416 7 лет назад

I discovered your videos today and I am already a fan. I dont know anything about woodcarving and traditional japanese printing but your videos are so fascinating and your work is incredibly beautiful.

@thinkboxtripper 7 лет назад

love your stories... So many wonderful life lessons in this one!

@InvisibleMan1306 7 лет назад

Can't wait to hear about the new print. Best of luck!

@TheDungeonMasterz 7 лет назад

please please please keep making these kinds of story videos. They are wonderful!

@jessicaschultz732 6 лет назад

Your videos make me so happy. I might try block printing myself. Even though it is work intensive and requires much skill, you make it look fun and satisfying. Thank you for making these videos

@corntorteeya86 7 лет назад

Wow. You've come a long way, David. Thanks for taking us through your journey.

@HierophantMica Год назад

I stumbled upon Dave & Mokuhankan randomly on Twitch first, so hearing him worry & wonder how to restructure his business to give him more time to carve (with so many of the streams I watch now being carving streams) is so amusing to me. Don't worry, 2017 Dave! You're getting there :)

@JulioLuciano14 7 лет назад

Today I went to your shop Mokuhankan in Asakusa to a print party, sadly you were not there. The key block of the piece on this video was shown to me, now one block instead of two since the head block was transferred to the other one, I asked the reason for that and then the hardness factor was explained to me. I didn't know the full story behind this piece, despite that I was mesmerized by the cross carving, I'm an artist too and can only imagine it's difficulty and the skills needed. I admire your work. Also the people in Mokuhankan is soo nice! I'll go again :)

@seseragistudio 7 лет назад

Julio-san, I'm sorry I missed you! I simply can't be there every day all the time ... As for the block you saw, I guess the person you talked to didn't know all this story. What you saw in the shop is the _first_ block I carved ... the one that got destroyed in the duplicating process. If you had touched it, you would have felt the waviness across the surface ...

@crgaillee 7 лет назад

Thank you sir for sharing your stories. I am inspired by you stories of how the masters back in the day did their work. It really makes one appreciate their work AND yours much, much more. Please keep them coming if you are able, it is good to learn the wisdom that you impart. Take care and god bless.

@littylegend3630 3 года назад

No such thing as your stories wandering off Dave ! Much love from Kingston Ontario !

@kayknouse2855 Год назад

Dave's melodrama is so endearing

@diegoornelas-tapia7676 6 лет назад

Love your ramble videos. You've lived an intriguing life, I learn so much upon listening to your stories. Thanks David 🧐👌

@randzopyr1038 7 лет назад

I love listening to you ramble, in another video someone called you the Bob Ross of woodblock carving/printing and maybe that's a route you could take when you decide that you are "retired" from the technical work - show the world how to get started doing simple things (make your own card prints, postcards, etc...) and encourage the profession to live on.

@robotslug 7 лет назад

Don't worry so much about your "ramble" Sir, your passion, your dedication are inspiring and absolutely something to aspire to. I thank you for sharing your craft with us. Sincerely, Thank you.

@twoodfrd 7 лет назад

There's something very profound about the nature of craft and its relationship to the kind of status a society accords to mastery of hand labour techniques. Meiji-era shukunin might spend a lifetime aspiring to own a shop and be that strict master who no longer needs to pick up his chisel. Having achieved the dream so to speak, David now struggles to reconcile the possible loss of skill that "success" brings with it. It says a lot about artistic identity.

@michaelskov 7 лет назад

Hey @David Bull: I hope you are apprenticing someone your amazing skills. I love seeing your work and your passion for it. This video is a great example of that passion and I thank you for a glimpse into your history.

@doofwagon 6 лет назад

I've never known much about this art, but i've enjoyed these videos. Thank you!

@GraniteValleyDave 7 лет назад

Thank you Dave. This is the best birthday present I could've asked for.

@johnpetrov6602 5 лет назад

Inspirational! We can't wait to see your return!

@tair6232 3 года назад

I am watching this beautiful inspiring videos since two days and its like ASMR for me Very glad to see this majestice beauty

@dflint6633 7 лет назад

Thank you for sharing your story. Your "rambling" made my day.

@justenclark3788 5 лет назад

wow i love to see this it is a window in to the life and time of someone who has shaped a small part of the lives of us all with his passion to do something that he loves i wish i could make a living with what i love to do instead of just doing what someone else has thought to do i don't have the path of my own

@malafakka8530 5 лет назад

It is really relaxing to listen to your voice and stories.

@WorldsWorstBoy 5 лет назад

Became a fan after watching the video you did on Ito. Keep it up.

@Lambby 7 лет назад

i always enjoy your stories and videos, thanks david.

@loathesome_pilk_drinker 5 лет назад

Thank you for the lovely story David!

@JJAB91 7 лет назад

Hey David I doubt you'll see this comment but just in the small chance that you do I just wanted to say you're amazing at what you do and I love your work and your stories. Keep being great :D

@DaGrowed 7 лет назад

Fantastic video! Thank you so much! I never realized there was so much to block printing. Inspiring.

@antoniodelmastro9875 7 лет назад

Really love your work. Both your videos / stories and the prints you've made.

@MrJoedanmx 7 лет назад

Just magic, David. Cheers.

@daboekroontjas3362 3 года назад

The only thing I don't like about his rambling is that it's long but it doesn't feel like it. Then I see the time it took to watch this video and the anxiety creeps up. Time flies on this channel.

@Sailordoc3349 7 лет назад

Wonderful story teller, love these very informative and educational videos....thank you David...

@bookworm321 5 лет назад

Please don't ever stop rambling! I have been watching your videos since a few days back I found your website and all I can say if that your videos and stories are one of those moments that make it worth it to spend time on youtube! Each truly is a pearl! (And I have signed up for that one print "involving an octopus" already, so I look forward to it, and the stories you will have to tell. Thank you for sharing your experiences. David, have you ever thought of doing a series sometimes on the "little secrets" of Japanese carving and printmaking, so they may be preserved for future... hobbyists... and craftsmen? That would be invaluable!

@sagewendigo687 4 года назад

You're my hero David.

@murathanakordeon 5 лет назад

Ukiyo-e is so simple so elegant and so art. I love them too especially landscapes :))

@fpsgumby7922 4 года назад

28:03 the way he looks at the head carving, You know he’s extremely proud of himself. Wish I had the patience and skill this man has

@sakuramoon5774 7 лет назад

Loved listening to this video and adore Kuchi-E and Bijin-Ga.

@47artisan 7 лет назад

thank you again. A most fascinating ramble it was.

@casey01204 7 лет назад

An hour and fifteen minutes left of work and I see that I have this too look forward to when I get home :D talented man by a long mile :) keep them videos coming

@mononoke721 7 лет назад

As ever, always most interesting - each story you tell always seems like a little adventure! I sincerely hope you do get a chance to focus more and more on your true passion - the carving, because as a great man once said "What is it we are questing for? It is the fulfilment of that which is potential in each of us. Questing for it is not an ego trip; it is an adventure to bring into fulfilment your gift to the world, which is yourself." - Joseph Campbell

@Blizzarkian 5 лет назад

This is my new favorite channel!

@James-ok7ii 3 года назад

i think i watch every second of your videos

@superturtle12 6 лет назад

Wow! To believe I stumbled onto your channel a year after purchasing the Wolverine print feels like I’ve been missing out on fantastic work for years. I do hope you get to continue carving for a good long while, and I will keep promoting this practice and art. Cheers!

@_ZombieDoll_ 5 лет назад

I have a really nasty flu right now, so I've been lying in bed for a few hours trying to get some sleep and feeling rather miserable, but spending the last half an hour listening to this story seems to have calmed both my mind and my body a little and made the load feel just a bit lighter, so I think I'll be coming back here for future restless nights.