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.
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
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!
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.
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.
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
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 😅
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
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
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!
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!
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
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
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.
A meditation on life, career, opportunity and the choices that must be made, all wrapped and presented as a tribute to a traditional profession. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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 RUclips. Thank you :)
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 RUclips audiences) 😊
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.
This is very nerdy ...... And very, very interesting. David is analyzing these woodblock prints like Sherlock Holmes. With great enthusiasm. Thanks for that 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
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. 💜💛💚💙
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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!
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
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 :)
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 ...
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.
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.
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.
just stumbled across your channel and i am mesmerized by the way you speak and think.. thank you so much for the inspirational thoughts and insights.. i am just a hobbyist in all kinds of artistic and technical matters and all kinds of things tickle my interest.. and i can totally relate to your considerations about mastering a craft... makes me very sad to realize i will never reach any kind of expertise in any of the fields i am interested in and i am in awe of the skill you show and the humility you have. will follow your work for as long as you are willing to share your thoughts and ideas and knowledge. you are a true inspiration not only for carvers (of which i am not one) but for people who think more deeply then just on how to make a living by any means money offers. i hope i will be able to see you doing this for a very long time. in deep respect and with a very deep and loving appreciation i greet you from germany.. you reach the world.
You are an extremely skill and natural stroyteller, I'm not sure if you script your videos but either way you have a really good ability to engage with your stories. You should write a book!
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
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.
28:47 holy shit - I can see it! And it makes me cry: it’s like in every fantasy novel: when the past was better than the future, when the masters of today get teary eyed talking about the wonders the masters of old could do. - It‘s like: we flew to the moon 50 years ago, and we no longer know how to do it, and are back to learning by doing. - It makes me think of the speculations Graham Hancock is doing about an antediluvian civilization: how perfect the older layers of Machu Picchu were built compared to what the Inka‘s could do rebuilding it. When the Romans took Egyptian obelisks to Rome, those obelisks were already more than a thousand years old - and it would take almost another two thousand years until some of those obelisks were taken to Paris and London and New York, so the empires of the modern times would still stand in the light of the greatness of old (- and now the acid rain is destroying the writing on them, and soon the archeologists of the future will only be able to compare the notes of the archeologists of the 19th and 20th century... - makes me think of an episode of Star Trek TNG with Picard as hobby archeologist getting into a discussion about looking at artifacts vs looking at literature...). In the Lord of the Rings movies there’s that scene when Gandalf rambles about the decay of Gondor ruclips.net/video/JCF0NWWuXsk/видео.html
Hey David, I think you have already answered your own question. You are not retired, you need to carve. I am a half ass oil painter and self taught. I have been away from my craft for 2 Years now, same reasons. I need to go back and paint as you need to go back and carve. Talents unused are wasted. Talents not practiced are sometimes lost but not fergoten. What thrill to repeat and relearn retrain and hold that which is most dear to the heart anew again. Your joy is in the start, the carving, all other persuits will never satisfy as that, for you. All that needs be done can be done, time is fleeting into waste or progress. Michael S. Couchman
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!
ImmaterialDigression i have a degree in it :3 graduated with abput 8 other people. it's rarer but we exist. I live in Alberta Canada and there is a printmaking scene here :3
Alberta Canada printmaking scene? Do you by chance know a woman by the name of Amanda McKenzie? She normally has operated in the Edmonton region and St. Albert. Been watching a lot of these videos of this craft as of recently- my sister is a craftswoman in the field so I've been trying to understand the field of work better.
Felicity Hart Hey I'd be interested to pick your brain on this topic as somebody who would like to understand and get in to this scene. Any way I could reach out to you?
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 :)
If I may add something to the "much more real feeling" you mention at around 29:45. First of all, I am no expert and I have no experience in wood crafting whatsoever, I am an academic, so take my 2 cents with some grain of salt. Some months ago, I had the opportunity to be part of a presentation regarding wood work in Japan vs. Germany. The kind presenter is comparably young, and shared his experience he made in Germany and Japan in regard to wood work. He mentioned something, that stuck in my head. Woodworkers in Japan are most necessary in the field of temple restoration (of course also for old wooden houses too, but today it is rather about temples and shrines). There are some Shrines & Temples that have a certain "reality" to the wood structure. Those temples are usually almost ancient and date back to a time, in which the tools that were accessible didn't allow much precision. They had to make delicate wave movements in order to make a somewhat decent straight pillar as the temple foundation. Well Kuchi-e is not really that old, so the comparison is certainly off. However, what about those craftsmen back then didn't use so precise tools as you do today? I do not want to talk down on the skill they had, let me emphasize this. It may certainly be true, that they just knew how make such delicate differences to make the hair look more realistic, and less technical. This is a completely uneducated guess, but what if roughness during crafting is equal to what we interpret as "more feeling" to something? Kai Kumano wrote a book about Japanese sacral building. Sadly, it is in German.
hello david, beautiful story really emotional. you mentioned your eyesight and showed a magnifiying glass, do you find it better to the optovisor (headband) type? although i`m in another trade i recently had to switch to the optovisor and still can`t adjust. your glass got me thinking maybe there is some practical reason that has escaped my mind. it`s really inspiring to listen to you talking about your prints, i don`t know if i can appreciate the art of things but my respect and admiration always come from knowing or trying to know the road that took the artist there. to understand how hard it must have been, how much determination and resilience it has taken to master the skills needed, i know how it is to be and outsider and that`s what i admire from you so much. thanks for sharing. pete
I've never tried the headband type. These blocks I work on are sometimes fairly large (not like a little piece of jewellery), so I need quite a wide field of vision. The lens you see in that video allows me to keep my head well back, and there is still room for my hand and the blade to fit under it.
@@seseragistudio Dave you are our Bob Ross of woodblock carving I listen all the time Great story teller and I plan to stop in if I'm ever out that way !
Another great video. Hearing about the kuchi-e mystery was very cool. I hope you get more time to carve in the future, and I'm looking forward to that octopus print, which I've always wanted to own a copy of!
Please keep carving!!! I understand wgat that struggle for time feels like. When you say your carving bench is where you belong, you simply must find a way to oblige!
Mr. Bull's attention to the most minute details of Japanese woodblock printing, history and provenance, begs the question of whether there is anyone alive today that might be more of an authority on the subject and practice than him.... Even in Japan.... 🤔
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
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.
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.
P
@@frogman9380word
we had bob ross for paint and now we have david bull for master carving, both with luscious hair.
Yes-
carving little happy hair strains :)
@Oliver Eales Damn Oliver, Bob Ross steal your bitch or somthin'?
Bro i wanted to comment "the bob ross of carving" you are well educated on the internet
@Oliver Eales holy crap dude...relax
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!
It’s truly amazing
I could listen to your stories for ever!
you can
If I met him I would be star struck. I would be lost for words and in awe. What a beautiful human being
He’s really amazing at just telling a tale in a classical way. It’s really amazing to listen to
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
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!
exact what i think and feel.
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.
Agree
I love how David says "I thought I would challenge this one"... definitely he's becoming Japanese! Japanese people often mix "challenge" and "try".
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.
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.
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
another example is "do the 1000 copies and come back" - that's how you construct the imperative mood in Japanese.
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 😅
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
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
Dave talking about wanting to get back to his carving beach warms my heart because we now know he was able to do so ❤️
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!
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!
Don't know how I got here but I stayed.
#MeToo lol
I’m in the same position. This got recommended, and now I’m here to stay
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
Thank you David for keeping the craft alive and your thoughts on our limitations at maintaining the highest levels of skill.
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
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.
A meditation on life, career, opportunity and the choices that must be made, all wrapped and presented as a tribute to a traditional profession. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“it’s about an octopus”
oh no oh no Oh No OH NO *OH NO*
Lol I was like “Like the one on Mad Men?” 😂
Man of culture as well, I see 😏
The one that started it all.
This is the most wholesome content on RUclips. Thank you David Bull.
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.
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 RUclips. Thank you :)
dont apologize i love your rambles
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.
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.
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!
Never has any RUclips channel impacted me in such a positive way as this one; thanks Dave
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.
Sometimes RUclips recommends me something interesting. This is one of those times.
Definitely worth it though
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.
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.
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.
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.
Thank you for taking the time and effort to make this video. It is great to see someone talk about their true passion
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 RUclips audiences) 😊
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.
Your videos are always fascinating, David, but this one was particularly so. Thank you!
This is very nerdy ...... And very, very interesting. David is analyzing these woodblock prints like Sherlock Holmes. With great enthusiasm. Thanks for that 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
This is my favorite place on the internet.
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. 💜💛💚💙
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
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.
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.
Your stories are honest, fluid and captivating; devotion to one's craft is the magic ingredient I think. Thank you for this video.
I love listening to this, while I draw! Thank you!
I absolutely love the stories.
I could listen to all of them!!!
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.
I love these rambles as you like to call them. I can't wait to see that print finished.
I just stumbled on this channel and can't say enough how much I am enjoying David Bull's videos.
Really great! Thank you!
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.
i love these, listening to people who have knowledge and history with something always have amazing stories to tell.
Love listening to you speak about these techniques, as a young printmaker, these explanations are very valuable to me. Love these videos, thank you.
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
You are a legend David, amazing stories and insights to this craft. Thank you.
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.
I really, really, really like your series of videos. Not one fails to make me smile. Thanks for what you do.
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
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!
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
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
i always feel better about printing after hearing your story. you are a reservoir of inspiration
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 :)
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 ...
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.
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.
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.
just stumbled across your channel and i am mesmerized by the way you speak and think.. thank you so much for the inspirational thoughts and insights.. i am just a hobbyist in all kinds of artistic and technical matters and all kinds of things tickle my interest.. and i can totally relate to your considerations about mastering a craft... makes me very sad to realize i will never reach any kind of expertise in any of the fields i am interested in and i am in awe of the skill you show and the humility you have.
will follow your work for as long as you are willing to share your thoughts and ideas and knowledge.
you are a true inspiration not only for carvers (of which i am not one) but for people who think more deeply then just on how to make a living by any means money offers.
i hope i will be able to see you doing this for a very long time.
in deep respect and with a very deep and loving appreciation i greet you from germany.. you reach the world.
You are an extremely skill and natural stroyteller, I'm not sure if you script your videos but either way you have a really good ability to engage with your stories. You should write a book!
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
Much respect to you, sir. On a side note, this is some really darned effective unintentional ASMR.
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.
Wow. You've come a long way, David. Thanks for taking us through your journey.
please please please keep making these kinds of story videos. They are wonderful!
I love David's videos...very informative, calming, etc.
Love your ramble videos. You've lived an intriguing life, I learn so much upon listening to your stories. Thanks David 🧐👌
David, i stumbled upon your channel and found myself absolutely inspired.. thank you for your work, and for sharing your stories.
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
28:47 holy shit - I can see it! And it makes me cry: it’s like in every fantasy novel: when the past was better than the future, when the masters of today get teary eyed talking about the wonders the masters of old could do. - It‘s like: we flew to the moon 50 years ago, and we no longer know how to do it, and are back to learning by doing. - It makes me think of the speculations Graham Hancock is doing about an antediluvian civilization: how perfect the older layers of Machu Picchu were built compared to what the Inka‘s could do rebuilding it. When the Romans took Egyptian obelisks to Rome, those obelisks were already more than a thousand years old - and it would take almost another two thousand years until some of those obelisks were taken to Paris and London and New York, so the empires of the modern times would still stand in the light of the greatness of old (- and now the acid rain is destroying the writing on them, and soon the archeologists of the future will only be able to compare the notes of the archeologists of the 19th and 20th century... - makes me think of an episode of Star Trek TNG with Picard as hobby archeologist getting into a discussion about looking at artifacts vs looking at literature...).
In the Lord of the Rings movies there’s that scene when Gandalf rambles about the decay of Gondor ruclips.net/video/JCF0NWWuXsk/видео.html
No such thing as your stories wandering off Dave ! Much love from Kingston Ontario !
I am watching this beautiful inspiring videos since two days and its like ASMR for me
Very glad to see this majestice beauty
Hey David,
I think you have already answered your own question. You are not retired, you need to carve. I am a half ass oil painter and self taught. I have been away from my craft for 2 Years now, same reasons. I need to go back and paint as you need to go back and carve. Talents unused are wasted. Talents not practiced are sometimes lost but not fergoten. What thrill to repeat and relearn retrain and hold that which is most dear to the heart anew again. Your joy is in the start, the carving, all other persuits will never satisfy as that, for you. All that needs be done can be done, time is fleeting into waste or progress. Michael S. Couchman
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!
Are there many younger people learning traditional carving and printing?
ImmaterialDigression i have a degree in it :3 graduated with abput 8 other people. it's rarer but we exist. I live in Alberta Canada and there is a printmaking scene here :3
Good, you've got this entire craft resting on your shoulder, good luck.
Alberta Canada printmaking scene? Do you by chance know a woman by the name of Amanda McKenzie? She normally has operated in the Edmonton region and St. Albert. Been watching a lot of these videos of this craft as of recently- my sister is a craftswoman in the field so I've been trying to understand the field of work better.
ImmaterialDigression I'm 23, I've studied lithography and silk screen at my university, really want to keep the tradition alive
Felicity Hart
Hey I'd be interested to pick your brain on this topic as somebody who would like to understand and get in to this scene. Any way I could reach out to you?
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 :)
If I may add something to the "much more real feeling" you mention at around 29:45.
First of all, I am no expert and I have no experience in wood crafting whatsoever, I am an academic, so take my 2 cents with some grain of salt.
Some months ago, I had the opportunity to be part of a presentation regarding wood work in Japan vs. Germany. The kind presenter is comparably young, and shared his experience he made in Germany and Japan in regard to wood work. He mentioned something, that stuck in my head. Woodworkers in Japan are most necessary in the field of temple restoration (of course also for old wooden houses too, but today it is rather about temples and shrines). There are some Shrines & Temples that have a certain "reality" to the wood structure. Those temples are usually almost ancient and date back to a time, in which the tools that were accessible didn't allow much precision.
They had to make delicate wave movements in order to make a somewhat decent straight pillar as the temple foundation.
Well Kuchi-e is not really that old, so the comparison is certainly off. However, what about those craftsmen back then didn't use so precise tools as you do today?
I do not want to talk down on the skill they had, let me emphasize this. It may certainly be true, that they just knew how make such delicate differences to make the hair look more realistic, and less technical.
This is a completely uneducated guess, but what if roughness during crafting is equal to what we interpret as "more feeling" to something?
Kai Kumano wrote a book about Japanese sacral building. Sadly, it is in German.
It is really relaxing to listen to your voice and stories.
Can't wait to hear about the new print. Best of luck!
I've never known much about this art, but i've enjoyed these videos. Thank you!
hello david, beautiful story really emotional. you mentioned your eyesight and showed a magnifiying glass, do you find it better to the optovisor (headband) type? although i`m in another trade i recently had to switch to the optovisor and still can`t adjust. your glass got me thinking maybe there is some practical reason that has escaped my mind. it`s really inspiring to listen to you talking about your prints, i don`t know if i can appreciate the art of things but my respect and admiration always come from knowing or trying to know the road that took the artist there. to understand how hard it must have been, how much determination and resilience it has taken to master the skills needed, i know how it is to be and outsider and that`s what i admire from you so much. thanks for sharing. pete
I've never tried the headband type. These blocks I work on are sometimes fairly large (not like a little piece of jewellery), so I need quite a wide field of vision. The lens you see in that video allows me to keep my head well back, and there is still room for my hand and the blade to fit under it.
@@seseragistudio
Dave you are our Bob Ross of woodblock carving I listen all the time
Great story teller and I plan to stop in if I'm ever out that way !
Another great video. Hearing about the kuchi-e mystery was very cool. I hope you get more time to carve in the future, and I'm looking forward to that octopus print, which I've always wanted to own a copy of!
What an interesting video. Thanks for sharing these ups and downs in your work. Really great listening to these stories.
Thank you Dave. This is the best birthday present I could've asked for.
Please keep carving!!! I understand wgat that struggle for time feels like. When you say your carving bench is where you belong, you simply must find a way to oblige!
Really love your work. Both your videos / stories and the prints you've made.
Mr. Bull's attention to the most minute details of Japanese woodblock printing, history and provenance, begs the question of whether there is anyone alive today that might be more of an authority on the subject and practice than him.... Even in Japan.... 🤔
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
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.
love your stories... So many wonderful life lessons in this one!
Ukiyo-e is so simple so elegant and so art. I love them too especially landscapes :))
Became a fan after watching the video you did on Ito.
Keep it up.