May 2018: Stumbled upon David's "Remembering a Carver" video, not knowing what the hell woodblock printmaking even was. May 2019: The hype of seeing a new video from David is unreal, ready to relax and learn more about Japanese prints, which are so strangely captivating
These videos are some of the best on youtube. Thank you so so much for all of the videos David, and thank you for my new appreciation of Japanese prints!
I can't speak for everyone, but I don't watch these videos *just* for the beautiful wood block prints; they're just the icing on the cake! I come for the wonderful art history lessons, insights into Japanese culture and folklore, and the occasional personal stories about chance meetings or notable artisans. You share all of these with a true love of the art form, a reverence for the craft, a deep respect for those who have mastered it, and a genuine gratitude for those who are willing to listen. That's why I'm here and that's why we love your videos.
I personally greatly enjoy every episode of the series and particulary like that the videos are longer (and much much more informative) than your normal youtube video. It is meeting someone who is really passionate about what he does and loves to share the passion. So you stay, listening closely, and allow yourself to get enchanted by the wonderful prints and the stories behind them. The time just flies by.
Dear David, whenever you're in doubt if these videos are too long or too lecture-like, know that there's hardly anything better to watch after a long day of work than some beautiful woodblock prints and hearing the story behind them. Greetings from Germany!
Yes!! Every time you release a video I get so happy, you really help my depression. Thank you so much for doing what you do and please never stop! One day I hope to visit Japan and go to your shop(and, I really want to try out woodblock carving/printing myself at some point)
The attention to detail in those last prints is mind blowing! The fine details & portrayal of the different textures is just unbelievable. Thank you for including the close up shots, it really helped to appreciate just how beautiful those prints actually are.
I’ve never really thought about Japanese prints before your videos but I stumbled across your channel last year and I started watching your videos as background noise to fall asleep but then I actually started watching your videos and hearing you talk about Japanese prints and print making has genuinely made me interested in the craft and interested in you and all the people working for your humble shop. Keep doing what you love man and share it with the world cause that many more people will love it with you.
As a landscape photographer who draws so much from Hudson River School I’m absolutely blown away by the emotion I get from this presentation. Thank you. Between 2002 - 2007 my life brought me to Kagoshima City in Kyushu. You have connected me to what drives the vision of landscape. I wasn’t even aware.
I absolutely love the rain effect on some of these prints. The different techniques they used to portray rain. The themes of every day life are really interesting as it shows that modern day 'street photography' albeit, without a camera, in them days is still prevailent! I always learn something new about Japanese print making when I watch these videos. Yet before, I never even knew these things existed. Considering they aren't classed as what is known as 'high' art makes them all the more appealing. As it is every bit as valuable. And probably even more skilled than some historical paintings we have come to know and enjoy.
In 2019 I went to David’s shop and bought his print of the sparrow and peony’s. (He carved the reproduction block and someone else printed it) I did not realize at the time it was part of a set, and the white flowers represented snowy mountains. I’m so glad I know this now! Makes it even more special.
Have you considered making an "8 views of Nintendo" or similar, as a continuation of the ukiyo-e heroes sets? I'd definitely be interested in buying a set
Your videos are so full of so much information I can not stop watching them. Thank you so much for sharing your wealth of knowledge not only about woodblock printing but also history and tradition.
12:53 the way they captured the snow covered trees here is truly incredible... using the paper itself in the artwork, instead of just as a base to hold other mediums, is one of the reasons I love woodblock prints so much! Amazing video as always, and never worry about them being too long there's no such thing when you are talking David :)
David, I’m a new subscriber and I just want to let you know that I’m loving your channel. It’s always been my dream to move to Japan, learn Japanese and immerse myself in the culture.
I really miss your David’s choice videos! I hope you can bring us some more of these wonderful presentations again soon! The art and the history are so beautiful
I learn something wonderful every time I watch one of your vlogs. In Karate I have learnt that the idea of being a 'Master' is an illusion, everyone is aspiring to to be 'more masterful', and everyone learns from those more knowledgable. In your case I am enjoying your lessons sensei, and appreciate that you are also still learning. I have bought a new house in northern Europe, and the architecture and long standing planting are very evocative of mountain woodland regions of Japan. I shall be searching your collection for something to grace our walls that reflects both our house and its surroundings, but also to grace our understanding of such a wonderful art form. I am an indebted student sensei.
I never thought i would get this intrigued but after binge watching almost everything on the channel i can say that i defenetly fell in love with this art. Thank you for sharing and educating in a digital era we often forget about the beauty and extraordinary craftsmanship that came before us.
David, you are my personal Bob Ross, you are such a calming personality, I really had a sh*t day, one David Bull video & a few woodblock prints later, I'm totally chilled again. Thank you!
This was a fantastic David’s Choice, thank you so much for making this! I’ve gotten so much enjoyment out of watching this series of videos, they’re always so informative and so pleasant to watch. I’m not exaggerating when I say that I can’t wait until the next one
The Yellow Umbrellas (15:15) is incredibly modern, almost graphic-design like. The Parlor scenes (15:34, 16:33, 19:55 etc.) are my favorites. The patterns on the fabric are amazing. The little clues to figure out how the views relate to the theme (the little towel, the boiling water) are smart. I like how they stretched the idea. Playing with constraints to keep it fun. It was super inspiring. Good to have you back.
This man would be an asset to any University in Japan. The breadth and depth of his research, as well as the sound conclusions he arrives at are subliminal.
The last 5 minutes is pure ASMR. You have the perfect voice for it, and I hope you do more of it, as well as the excellent, educational information about the process, themes and personalities of Japanese print making
I was sooo proud of knowing that that's the Chinese character for 8. Mahjong FTW! And don't worry Mr. Bull, this was a fascinating subject for a video, and I would have been happy if it was twice as long. Now I'm wracking my brain trying to think of something non-religious that's even remotely comparable in "western" culture. So widely known, so tightly defined, yet open to and welcoming of interpretation- for a solid 8 centuries!
Hi David! I do enjoy seeing prints on your channel, but as someone who has studied history and art history, I really enjoy your 'lectures,' too. You have a real knack for it. I've developed a real interest in wood block prints and I blame you lol.
I need more videos like this. Teaching me more about this wonderful, under appreciated art form (at least here in the west) while also serving as excellent ASMR material.
Another great video! I think the key to deciphering the difference between "clearing weather" and " evening glow" is the color band at the top of the prints. In the set of prints at the end of the video every scene that depicts a late afternoon or a night scene, as specified by the accompanying poem, has a black or dark band of color at the top of the print. The " clearing weather " print has an orange band of color at the top. The poem that goes with this print does not specify a time of day for this print so it could be that Hiroshige was using the orange color to differentiate this print from otherwise specifically evening/night scenes.
Thanks David...I am a big fan of Japanese printmaking, yet know very little about it. I really enjoy your David's choice Episodes. Keep doing what you are doing, thanks from New Zealand.
I remember hearing a story about the chinese Huizong emperor. He tells craftsmen that he wants a ruware with a glaze the same colour as post-rain rain clouds over a forest clearing, a view which he saw in a dream. The Huizong (temple name) emperor influenced East Asian art permanently, i reckon he'd have come up or been the inspiration for a few of the 8 topics
Another amazingly done video! The parlor set was so fun and I'm sure was a welcome change back in the day. Can't wait to see these prints in person!! Although Neko Hakke seems like a missed opportunity now...
Dave, I enjoyed your story immensely! Also seeing the closeups of the Adachi prints. Such amazing perfection! And please let's get started on the eight views of cats :-)
Ive Just received the 'At the Hotspring' Print last Wednesday! Beautiful! Thank you for sending me and thank you so much for making lovely videos! Appreciate it:)
Love your work, sir. I’m curious if you’ve ever considered doing a video about the world of Japanese woodblock printmaking in relation to the war? I know you mention the war a great deal in your videos. I’d be very interested in hearing how if/how it caused any changes within the craft of woodblock printmaking.
I love this so much, you are so amazing and smart, I never thought that I might have a little gem to add to your expansive commentary/knowledge, but here you go.. at 16:45 the parlor print for autumn moon; I think there is actually a double meaning there, I think not only is the mirror representing a sliver of the moon, but I believe the girl(s) faces are meant to represent the moon as well, particularly the one that is most likely being reflected in the mirror. Japanese women valued pale skin, which glows, and geisha actually say that the reason their attire evolved to use white face paint was so that their faces "would reflect/shine like the moon" in the candle light or dark. Also there is the association of faces (particularly womens) with the face of the moon across cultures, though I believe particularly in japan. I think there is even some tropes of that kind of wordplay in classics and poems if im not mistaken. Anyways just my thoughts I had to share. I love what you do and am planning some purchases from your shop in the near future, please keep making the world a brighter and more interesting and beautiful place!
You are correct in that the view from Seta, on the eastern shores of Biwako's southern reaches, offer great views of the sunset. These days the view consists of high hills mingled with white-and-red factory chimneys, giving a magnificent blend of nature and industry on a good day. If you can find a designer, that particular mix might someday be a solid basis for a print series.
Spectacular, what a great time this was and it's neat to hear those old themes described as memes (which they were and are). I look forward to the arrival of the Ukiyo-e Heroes set every month and can't recommend them enough. Once they finish and I have them out in their display box, I'll be on the prowl for the 8-views cat series! Hearing you announce that, what I wouldn't give for a lick of visual artist talent. I'm tempted to commission an artist just to put my ideas to paper but that doesn't seem sporting at all. Thanks for the videos and all y'all do.
Actually, if you want to work in partnership with somebody, that's totally fine with us. And indeed, we may be exploring this further; a number of the submissions so far have been _killer_ ideas, but rather poorly executed. We might be contacting those people to consider working with a partner (of course paying both sides ...)
Just brilliant. Do you have any explanations as to why the artists increased the number of views and if the themes changed? For example 36 views of Mt Fuji
I didn't expect meme review with Dave, but I'm glad we got it.
A pleasant surprise for sure lol
"A meme to remember"
I cannot like because it is. 269 likes
@@patrickginart1780 I887780p997789909
May 2018: Stumbled upon David's "Remembering a Carver" video, not knowing what the hell woodblock printmaking even was.
May 2019: The hype of seeing a new video from David is unreal, ready to relax and learn more about Japanese prints, which are so strangely captivating
That's exactly what happened with me too lol
Yeeeeeeup.
"it's not garbage" remake was my first
I just discovered this channel through the remembering a carver tonight.... I am now hyped up to go back and watch the rest.
Just found David yesterday. What an awesome gift he's sharing with us! 👍
These videos are some of the best on youtube. Thank you so so much for all of the videos David, and thank you for my new appreciation of Japanese prints!
EThe the 0:46 Tt😮t 0:46 😮s
0:50 The 0:50 tre 0:51 0:51 R
😮r
0:49
0:46
The eight views of cats.
You are gold, David Bull.
I adore these videos. Please never stop teaching me about Japanese prints.
We might not share the same craft but your passion and love truly are inspiring.
Memes today: Is this loss?
Memes in 18th century Japan: Is this hakkei?
l ll
ll l --
I can't speak for everyone, but I don't watch these videos *just* for the beautiful wood block prints; they're just the icing on the cake!
I come for the wonderful art history lessons, insights into Japanese culture and folklore, and the occasional personal stories about chance meetings or notable artisans. You share all of these with a true love of the art form, a reverence for the craft, a deep respect for those who have mastered it, and a genuine gratitude for those who are willing to listen.
That's why I'm here and that's why we love your videos.
FINALLY. Today is a good day!
I personally greatly enjoy every episode of the series and particulary like that the videos are longer (and much much more informative) than your normal youtube video. It is meeting someone who is really passionate about what he does and loves to share the passion. So you stay, listening closely, and allow yourself to get enchanted by the wonderful prints and the stories behind them. The time just flies by.
Dear David, whenever you're in doubt if these videos are too long or too lecture-like, know that there's hardly anything better to watch after a long day of work than some beautiful woodblock prints and hearing the story behind them.
Greetings from Germany!
Rainy morning, new David Bull video, 8 views of me shirking off my morning plans under the comforter.
Everytime David releases a video, its an EVENT! Like Game of Thrones or the Avengers!
Yes!! Every time you release a video I get so happy, you really help my depression. Thank you so much for doing what you do and please never stop! One day I hope to visit Japan and go to your shop(and, I really want to try out woodblock carving/printing myself at some point)
Nova Fawks stay strong
I 2 hope to visit his shops one day and throw my money at him 😂💵💯
The attention to detail in those last prints is mind blowing! The fine details & portrayal of the different textures is just unbelievable.
Thank you for including the close up shots, it really helped to appreciate just how beautiful those prints actually are.
I’ve never really thought about Japanese prints before your videos but I stumbled across your channel last year and I started watching your videos as background noise to fall asleep but then I actually started watching your videos and hearing you talk about Japanese prints and print making has genuinely made me interested in the craft and interested in you and all the people working for your humble shop. Keep doing what you love man and share it with the world cause that many more people will love it with you.
As a landscape photographer who draws so much from Hudson River School I’m absolutely blown away by the emotion I get from this presentation. Thank you. Between 2002 - 2007 my life brought me to Kagoshima City in Kyushu. You have connected me to what drives the vision of landscape. I wasn’t even aware.
I absolutely love the rain effect on some of these prints. The different techniques they used to portray rain. The themes of every day life are really interesting as it shows that modern day 'street photography' albeit, without a camera, in them days is still prevailent!
I always learn something new about Japanese print making when I watch these videos. Yet before, I never even knew these things existed. Considering they aren't classed as what is known as 'high' art makes them all the more appealing. As it is every bit as valuable. And probably even more skilled than some historical paintings we have come to know and enjoy.
In 2019 I went to David’s shop and bought his print of the sparrow and peony’s. (He carved the reproduction block and someone else printed it) I did not realize at the time it was part of a set, and the white flowers represented snowy mountains. I’m so glad I know this now! Makes it even more special.
I have enormous love and respect for the art of woodblock printing... But these videos when you talk abou them is the best.
Hardly noticed half an hour passing. Enchanting as always, Dave!
David: I've talked and rambled too much! Me: NO TALK MORE I WANT MORE *watches video again* See you at the print party next week, Mokuhankan staff!
Have you considered making an "8 views of Nintendo" or similar, as a continuation of the ukiyo-e heroes sets? I'd definitely be interested in buying a set
Your videos are so full of so much information I can not stop watching them. Thank you so much for sharing your wealth of knowledge not only about woodblock printing but also history and tradition.
Oh come on Dave. You ought to know by now that there's literally no way one of your videos could be too long ☺️
12:53 the way they captured the snow covered trees here is truly incredible... using the paper itself in the artwork, instead of just as a base to hold other mediums, is one of the reasons I love woodblock prints so much! Amazing video as always, and never worry about them being too long there's no such thing when you are talking David :)
David, I’m a new subscriber and I just want to let you know that I’m loving your channel. It’s always been my dream to move to Japan, learn Japanese and immerse myself in the culture.
I really miss your David’s choice videos! I hope you can bring us some more of these wonderful presentations again soon! The art and the history are so beautiful
Hey David! I am happy to know that humans like you exist. Beautiful stuff.
I learn something wonderful every time I watch one of your vlogs. In Karate I have learnt that the idea of being a 'Master' is an illusion, everyone is aspiring to to be 'more masterful', and everyone learns from those more knowledgable. In your case I am enjoying your lessons sensei, and appreciate that you are also still learning. I have bought a new house in northern Europe, and the architecture and long standing planting are very evocative of mountain woodland regions of Japan. I shall be searching your collection for something to grace our walls that reflects both our house and its surroundings, but also to grace our understanding of such a wonderful art form. I am an indebted student sensei.
I never thought i would get this intrigued but after binge watching almost everything on the channel i can say that i defenetly fell in love with this art. Thank you for sharing and educating in a digital era we often forget about the beauty and extraordinary craftsmanship that came before us.
the see through gaps of the sails are lovely, you can see the enviorment behind yet they are so view taking, almost like rain can be
David, you are my personal Bob Ross, you are such a calming personality, I really had a sh*t day, one David Bull video & a few woodblock prints later, I'm totally chilled again. Thank you!
I can watch these videos all day. I was listening for asmr, but now im really interested in his work.
you can see that he is very passionate as there is no cut when he talks ! I love this !
It's such a pleasure to watch these videos! I get a newfound amazement and appreciation for this craft every time.
This context is invaluable, thank you David. The sound of the kettle mimicking rain is very pleasing.
This was a fantastic David’s Choice, thank you so much for making this! I’ve gotten so much enjoyment out of watching this series of videos, they’re always so informative and so pleasant to watch. I’m not exaggerating when I say that I can’t wait until the next one
Finally! Wonderful ASMR from Papa Bull. I can't wait to fall asleep to this.
We need to get the community on this. He is the next Relaxing ASMR.
Thanks for making sense of the “Eight Views” theme. I finally understand the connection to the more obscure references.
Thank you for introducing me to these theme and motifs. I always learn something by your videos, and my appreciation for this art form only grows.
The Yellow Umbrellas (15:15) is incredibly modern, almost graphic-design like. The Parlor scenes (15:34, 16:33, 19:55 etc.) are my favorites. The patterns on the fabric are amazing. The little clues to figure out how the views relate to the theme (the little towel, the boiling water) are smart. I like how they stretched the idea. Playing with constraints to keep it fun. It was super inspiring. Good to have you back.
This man would be an asset to any University in Japan. The breadth and depth of his research, as well as the sound conclusions he arrives at are subliminal.
The last 5 minutes is pure ASMR. You have the perfect voice for it, and I hope you do more of it, as well as the excellent, educational information about the process, themes and personalities of Japanese print making
Today is a fantastic day! Right before I go to sleep! Love your work David!
I was sooo proud of knowing that that's the Chinese character for 8. Mahjong FTW! And don't worry Mr. Bull, this was a fascinating subject for a video, and I would have been happy if it was twice as long. Now I'm wracking my brain trying to think of something non-religious that's even remotely comparable in "western" culture. So widely known, so tightly defined, yet open to and welcoming of interpretation- for a solid 8 centuries!
Hi David! I do enjoy seeing prints on your channel, but as someone who has studied history and art history, I really enjoy your 'lectures,' too. You have a real knack for it. I've developed a real interest in wood block prints and I blame you lol.
11:39 The lecture is just as important! Fitting these things into context helps me appreciate them more on their own!
I love these videos, seriously so insightful and interesting. I feel sorry for anyone who can't appreciate how beautiful these prints are.
Wow, I'm blown away.
So beautifully presented ❤️
I need more videos like this. Teaching me more about this wonderful, under appreciated art form (at least here in the west) while also serving as excellent ASMR material.
Fascinating video, Dave. I especially enjoyed the last segment with the poems and the prints. More like this, please.
Another great video! I think the key to deciphering the difference between "clearing weather" and " evening glow" is the color band at the top of the prints. In the set of prints at the end of the video every scene that depicts a late afternoon or a night scene, as specified by the accompanying poem, has a black or dark band of color at the top of the print. The " clearing weather " print has an orange band of color at the top. The poem that goes with this print does not specify a time of day for this print so it could be that Hiroshige was using the orange color to differentiate this print from otherwise specifically evening/night scenes.
“Everybody is here to see beautiful prints.” I’m just here to listen to your incredibly relaxing voice, and veg out, man.
Synaesthetic and sublime! What a treat! Thank you, David!
Thanks David...I am a big fan of Japanese printmaking, yet know very little about it. I really enjoy your David's choice Episodes. Keep doing what you are doing, thanks from New Zealand.
An absolutely wonderful video! More of these are always welcome David!
I really like these Japanese prints! They are classic and modern pictures at the same time.
I might be more excited for this vid than Game of Thrones tonight...
Best relaxing and informative RUclips series
I remember hearing a story about the chinese Huizong emperor. He tells craftsmen that he wants a ruware with a glaze the same colour as post-rain rain clouds over a forest clearing, a view which he saw in a dream.
The Huizong (temple name) emperor influenced East Asian art permanently, i reckon he'd have come up or been the inspiration for a few of the 8 topics
Fantastic video, David. I love your contemplative style. I enjoyed the lecture, and how you ended the video with poetry while displaying the prints.
One of the best videos yet! I will rewatch this many times.
Marvellous print at 8:23. I'd love to have that one on my wall. I think I could look at that all day long!
NHK should *REALLY* hire you to do this weekly. It would instantly be my favorite TV show.
It’s hard to hear you doubt if these videos are worth it, yes they worth it and on so many levels as well, keep it up
Thanks David ! This was a very entertaining video, never realized there was such a story behind a print series title.
Absolutely fantastic video! Personally I wish the journey was a bit longer. Keep up the passion!
I love all of your videos Dave. I hope to visit the shop one day when I come back to Japan! Amazing stuff.
There's not much else that gets me as excited as seeing a new video from you! Also, I love that these videos just keep getting longer
Another amazingly done video! The parlor set was so fun and I'm sure was a welcome change back in the day. Can't wait to see these prints in person!! Although Neko Hakke seems like a missed opportunity now...
I'm so glad your channel got recommended to me today. Your work is absolutely wonderful!
We love the prints, but we come for your voice.
Dave, I enjoyed your story immensely! Also seeing the closeups of the Adachi prints. Such amazing perfection! And please let's get started on the eight views of cats :-)
Ive Just received the 'At the Hotspring' Print last Wednesday! Beautiful! Thank you for sending me and thank you so much for making lovely videos! Appreciate it:)
David, you could easily lecture for hours and hours and I would watch all of it.
Modern day Bob Ross! Awesome video
Love your work, sir. I’m curious if you’ve ever considered doing a video about the world of Japanese woodblock printmaking in relation to the war? I know you mention the war a great deal in your videos. I’d be very interested in hearing how if/how it caused any changes within the craft of woodblock printmaking.
Yes! Love these! Also, I definitely noticed that you remembered to add it to the playlist this time. Good on ya, team!
I love this so much, you are so amazing and smart, I never thought that I might have a little gem to add to your expansive commentary/knowledge, but here you go.. at 16:45 the parlor print for autumn moon; I think there is actually a double meaning there, I think not only is the mirror representing a sliver of the moon, but I believe the girl(s) faces are meant to represent the moon as well, particularly the one that is most likely being reflected in the mirror. Japanese women valued pale skin, which glows, and geisha actually say that the reason their attire evolved to use white face paint was so that their faces "would reflect/shine like the moon" in the candle light or dark. Also there is the association of faces (particularly womens) with the face of the moon across cultures, though I believe particularly in japan. I think there is even some tropes of that kind of wordplay in classics and poems if im not mistaken.
Anyways just my thoughts I had to share. I love what you do and am planning some purchases from your shop in the near future, please keep making the world a brighter and more interesting and beautiful place!
Your videos are never too long. I would even say they are too short. :)
True master in print making . Touching your feet.
I have no interest in woodblock printing at all but I love David’s videos for the ASMR. The man is a tour de force
I bet I've watched this video 50 times
What a great video! The meme theme was very fun and I just loved the poetry over the prints at the end. Very tranquil indeed.
Saw you and Cameron record this on Twitch. Due to the bad audio quality I was waiting in anticipation to finally hear what you were talking about. ;)
Yay ! These videos are so great, thank you David !
Such a great episode! Thank you so much for everything you share Dave
You are correct in that the view from Seta, on the eastern shores of Biwako's southern reaches, offer great views of the sunset. These days the view consists of high hills mingled with white-and-red factory chimneys, giving a magnificent blend of nature and industry on a good day. If you can find a designer, that particular mix might someday be a solid basis for a print series.
Another great video 👍 thank you Mr Bull 👌
Spectacular, what a great time this was and it's neat to hear those old themes described as memes (which they were and are). I look forward to the arrival of the Ukiyo-e Heroes set every month and can't recommend them enough. Once they finish and I have them out in their display box, I'll be on the prowl for the 8-views cat series!
Hearing you announce that, what I wouldn't give for a lick of visual artist talent. I'm tempted to commission an artist just to put my ideas to paper but that doesn't seem sporting at all. Thanks for the videos and all y'all do.
Actually, if you want to work in partnership with somebody, that's totally fine with us. And indeed, we may be exploring this further; a number of the submissions so far have been _killer_ ideas, but rather poorly executed. We might be contacting those people to consider working with a partner (of course paying both sides ...)
This is one of your best videos yet. Well done!
I have never clicked on a youtube-video as fast as I did now.
I really enjoy learning about this.
Just brilliant. Do you have any explanations as to why the artists increased the number of views and if the themes changed? For example 36 views of Mt Fuji
I don’t remember how I found this but I really enjoy this it’s really cool and educational and also calming :)
I love your videos!!! So well done with great information!!❤
The weather clears, perfect time to go outside. That would be my thought.
9:03 These snow images are some of my favorite prints of all time.
This was a fantastic video David. Thank you
Excellent Mother’s Day gift, Dave!