A Hiroshige Reproduction

[@doughntworry]

I always think those videos are too long when i see them in my subscription box but once I start watching those 20 minutes just fly by and they are incredibly enjoyable to watch.

[@rustytechbucket7644]

I found myself in the Asakusa area on my trip to Tokyo this past week and upon looking out my hotel window I was delighted to see the Mokuhankan sign. I stopped in the shop the following day and was greeted by a wonderful and helpful staff, but sadly David was on holiday. Ever since seeing the video on Hiroshige print, I wanted one and I can now say that I am a proud owner of one. Thank you Mr. Bull for sharing your art.

[@hazbutler]

No wonder she's not too keen on its popularity; the effort that goes into each print is astounding.

[@kristobaz2474]

Hi David, I'm a 17 year old aspiring printer from Norfolk, England and your videos are the catalyst for my interest in the art. I want you to know that your works are heavily inspiring to me and your stories - specifically the one regarding Ito Susumu - have pushed me to seek out local woodworkers in my area to further my skills. Thank you

[@psoup.42]

Is it just me that thinks David should create audio books? I mean the way he speaks and the way he expresses himself is really captivating and I would expect he would be able to inject a whole lot of depth and emotion into a story. Anyway, fabulous video as usual! PS I'm becoming more interested in the art of Japanese woodblock printing every video you put out, thanks for the inspiration David

[@seseragistudio]

Audio books … well I did make an audio eBook a few years back as a kind of experiment, and it’s over on my website here: mokuhankan.com/catalogue/0056.php Thanks for the interest, and taking the trouble to comment ...

[@MisunderstoodHumza]

Hey Master Bull, I am not sure how I found your videos, perhaps it was a post on Reddit, or a recommendation, it doesn't matter really. I saw your hour or so long video in which you discuss how you started out, and how you met the carver who's family gave you his tools after he passed away. Although I have no interest in being a wood carver, I have to say the amount of dedication and passion you have for your work is so moving. As others have mentioned, the initial daunting feeling of watching a video as lengthy as yours tends to immediately disappears once I hear the passion and joy you have in your voice discussing what you do. Thank you so much, sir. You don't know me, but seeing your videos makes it seem like we all have gotten to know you. Almost like spending the day with Mr. Rogers when we were kids. My passion and ambition is surgery. That's what I want to be in a few years. One can often tell a surgeon's characteristics and personality by his work. I know the same can be said about you. Every carve is precise, that shows your dedication and years of practice. Your hand movements are like a machine, precise and efficient, but the one thing that sticks out is that when all is said and done, you are honestly having fun. Thank you, honestly, for all you do, sir. It's always a pleasure watching your craft, and to share a part of my day with you. I wish you the best of luck in your endeavours, and cannot wait to see what more you have in stock. One day, In Sha Allah (God Willing), I'll buy a print from your shop. Maybe even request a custom design!

[@ldcldc6371]

absolutely beautiful

[@ellasian]

Beautiful print, particularly the embossing. I agree with Ayumi - repetitive yet highly skilled tasks are characteristic of real craftsmanship.

[@mattbosevski2611]

These videos just popped onto my recommended list one day and I have never had any inclination towards watching art demonstrations, let alone even heard of woodblock print making. But immediately I've become addicted to watching all these videos having just finished the Great Wave series and now scrolling through the channel for more. I can honestly say with high esteem, David you are the Bob Ross of Woodblock Print Making, and after I save up a bit I look forward to purchasing your beautiful artworks which I have only known about for little over 2 weeks, which I think demonstrates your ability to have the viewers appreciate the art. Keep up the videos and many thanks! - From Australia

[@Bandare]

fascinating and a great discussion at the start too.

[@vincienator]

I never heard of woodblock priting untill a few weeks ago. I watched tons of your videos, and now i would love a copy of myself. The amount of respect I have for what you have done, and your pupils is enormous!

[@princesshyrule]

I had the distinct pleasure of coming to your shop in Asakusa and buying a print last November (I was the lady with the baby). It was such an honor to meet you Dave! I was hoping to make it a yearly tradition, but sadly I have to move out of Japan for now. Maybe one day I'll make it back for a printing party. Keep up the good work, I'll be watching from afar. :)

[@Stewbob112]

I just watched 3 hours and 12 minutes of your videos. They are amazing. Your work is phenomenal, your videography is top notch, I love your enthusiasm and wealth of knowledge that you share with each video, and I really enjoy that you are sort of passing this down to your audience. I plan on buying a print for my new for quite soon! Please never stop making these videos.

[@squidgama]

Thank you, Mr. Bull, for these amazing videos. I have just recently found your KZbin channel and I am beginning to catch up with some older videos but I already feel like it is necessary for me to thank you for your storytelling and inspiration. I admire you for the time and dedication you put into your work and after all, only few artists are able to make a living with their work which makes me appreciate this even more. Best wishes from Germany! :)

[@snoopgg3970]

gimleey he's not just an artist...he's a craftsman. That is where the sustenance comes from.

[@knives4apro485]

After finding your channel only a few days ago and binge watching many of your videos, i am blown away by the works that you and your team produce. its great to see that traditional practices still remain. everything from the design, to the block making, the printing and the end result are just amazing. When im in Tokyo next i would love to come and purchase one of these works of art. Thank you for sharing your passion with us.

[@MisterDutch93]

I have no idea how I originally came across this wonderful channel, but I don't regret it one bit! I really admire the craftmanship and all the videos are very well put together. I had seen some of these Edo period prints in a museum some time ago, and since then I always wondered how they were made. Turns out it's a very intricate process. I'm going to save up some money after summer and buy a print from you. I really want one now, knowing they are still being made. Cheers to all of you for keeping this wonderful craft alive!

[@TheSniatch]

Ayumi is really charming, I'm always happy to see her in a video. :)

[@ryanduvall4027]

Woodblock Prints are just so impressive its magical

[@dowLoveTap]

As this is your latest video I thought I'd leave this here. I just found this channel and I am truly amazed and fascinated by the work. woodblock printing is nothing I had heard of before but it's honestly an beautifully artform.

[@geraniumzanzibar]

Your work and life are a real inspiration, David!

[@dayofmone]

Now thanks to you I finally know for sure what that odd knife I found in a tool box in my fathers garage is for. Watching your videos for the first time and already I'm in love with your work.

[@GlassesnMouthplates]

Even the supposedly "basic" type of woodblock print looks so heavenly mesmerizing.

[@Sailordoc3349]

Stunning prints....very talented printer...

[@spaceyoyo6721]

As always, nice and enjoyable video. C'est toujours un grand plaisir d'assister à la création d'une estampe. Dans cette vidéo : l'impression elle-même. Les commentaires techniques de David qui accompagnent les images sont passionnants.

[@ellengeyer5000]

Dave, Thanks for posting this detailed video. I have just finished carving a four block set and will use the information for the bokashi I will be printing. After visiting your studio I bought some pigments ,have just finished mixing my own paints as well and will be using them for my print. I did not have any sake handy to help with the paints but the alcohol you suggested to use worked well. I have ordered a subscription to your" My Solitudes " as well as the "Yokai" series as a gift for my son. I have not received an invoice for either. My name and email address should be in the guest book I signed in May. Thanks again for all your information and advice

[@seseragistudio]

Ms. Geyer, I'm feeling quite frustrated by the fact that my emails do not seem to be getting through; I've written to the address you gave me quite a few times ... Can you perhaps check in your spam filtering, to see if you can find some of them there?

[@noxinmembreno1693]

I've been eagerly waiting for you to upload a new video! Thank you for sharing this wonderful artistry and craftsmanship. I'm saving up to buy all the materials I need to start practicing moku hanga myself thanks to your inspiriting work

[@darwinsmonkeybutler2113]

The actual blocks have beauty.

[@imben77]

I saw you on NHK Tokyo Eye and was so glad to discovered you have a KZbin channel! Keep up the amazing work chap!

[@Jotape1971]

As always, fantastic!

[@zandikaa]

Ayumi-san's printing is beautiful

[@nathanfranz4058]

Interesting to hear a conversation with the printer about her work. I can't imagine particularly enjoying the repetitive work even though it creates some beautiful art. Edit: But then, as you said, it's her job. How do you feel about your managerial role in the shop? Is it difficult to reconcile with your other roles?

[@seseragistudio]

I've had enough. I want (need) to get back to my carving bench! Our venture is struggling with this very thing right now ... My time would be best spend in two places: at the bench, and in front of the camera. Not in front of the spreadsheets ...

[@tichysoulja]

you need some interns

[@tarotwhatever]

i recently stumbled upon your videos and i must say i'm very enthralled in your all that you do! it's extremely interesting and beautiful the work you create and i'm glad i get the pleasure to learn about it!

[@FVvocals]

I got this very print this week.....I adore it

[@suup4k75]

Hey David Bull, love your videos. Summer has just started, and for a school project I've been hoping to try wood block printing but I don't know many resources for learning other than your channel. Could you recommend some books or articles to help a beginner?

[@seseragistudio]

Go over to my website at woodblock dot com, scroll down to the bottom of the index page, and look for the 'Library'. You'll find more information than you can handle ...

[@suup4k75]

Thank you very much! Lots of respect for you and your craft

[@Captain14414]

Just found your channel, love your work! It's very interesting to watch, keep it up!

[@captainsewerrat]

I can't be the only one who'd want to see a Collaboration between David and Nick Offerman doing some woodblock carving? Can I?

[@thebrokenbone]

beautiful prints and video. thanks so much for sharing. cheers. pete

[@B3_6]

such an interesting youtube channel! she does magnificent work! And you do as well!

[@xXStumC0W96Xx]

Beautiful work.

[@purplatypus7405]

Honestly, I think your skills could be used for ASMR style videos. I don't think that is what you want your channel to become but I personally would find a very long 1 hour+ video with no talking and just making a print or carving very relaxing and educational

[@Choodafoo]

These are ASMR videos. The unintentionality of the scrapes and the brushes and the soft-spoken nature makes it so much more authentically ASMR than almost any intentional ASMR video. This is what the medium was always meant to be.

[@purplatypus7405]

Patrick Elder I agree. I'm more referring to the crafting to the speech and some sudden sharp sounds can cause some tension if you aren't expecting it. The individual parts of the wood working or the talking stories separate are great for relaxing.

[@anthonybutler6123]

This is beautiful! I did printmaking for my undergrad and, unfortunately, we did not learn the japanese woodblock method. I would love to learn more about it. I am kind of obsessing over it at this very moment

[@CMDRBlueeagle66]

Fantastic once again

[@OMGarhino]

Great video!

[@AaronWood]

Great video, David. I liked the peak behind the curtain at the process. I didn't like how you called her out though on it being potentially not up to standard. You never want to call your employees out like that in public.

[@mechminded2207]

Hello David, if you get lots of gripe over the droning, and want to do something about it, Audacity is a free software which will allow you to cancel those noises. There are a bunch of youtubers with videos describing how (from experience, its a five minute job).

[@dieterreinert]

Really interesting video, I also liked the conversation in the beginning :D

[@TheAussieSavage]

20 minute video, Very nice.

[@kareemnajah4057]

David I love your videos they make me happy :) keep it up man. 👍

[@melody3741]

That apple apron is the cutest thing ever

[@bitfreakazoid]

Are the feather patterns actually pressed into the paper creating little ridges? It's a little hard to tell since this is a video and I'm not actually looking at one in person. If so, that's pretty neat. I didn't know that was also done. Also, I'm amazed at how little pigment it seems to actually be applied. Looks like barely a drop is needed when touched to the brush.

[@JayTaylorSirfishalot]

Stunning!

[@cruxmind]

The background noises could easily be cleaned up. I'd be happy to volunteer with that.

[@everlight1]

Do you have a video about how the woodblocks themselves are made? Curious to know how each block is perfectly aligned to the others.

[@seseragistudio]

One of our previous videos shows the entire process, start to finish; please have a look ... kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y6iQXnmhrrSofLM

[@SWATDRUMMUH]

Welcome back!!!

[@seseragistudio]

Was I gone?

[@aleenashishani7781]

Hi! Wow you are so cool and love the soothing voice. I want to try this and practice because it seems so interesting and the prints that turn up in the end are beautiful. I'm 17 so i have lots of time to practice. But i want to thank u for introducing me to woodcarving such as this. Btw love the stories you tell.

[@AA-gr4gk]

How is it possible to line up the paper so perfectly?

[@samatteb1]

Thank You so much for the video ! Would Holbein gouaches work for the coloring blocks ? Thank You

[@seseragistudio]

I'm sorry, I have no experience with that type of pigment. Best place to get some feedback on that would be over on the BarenForum; I am sure somebody over there will have tried these ... (barenforum.org)

[@ude4225]

Hi, Dave! Will you make a video about the Doi Hanga prints? I don't mean about how are they made and how you and your team are bringing them back to life(great work btw!), I mean a video about you teaching us about these prints, who made them or how are they called or what they meant Thank you for your videos! They're great

[@sprucehouse9]

WOW! That is a fantastic look at the process. And I would love to have one of those prints. Where can they be purchased?

[@seseragistudio]

At the very end of the video (and in the KZbin page description) there is a link to our online webshop ... Thanks for the interest!

[@srirangdhawale5242]

I have the tattoo of the word "Shokunin" on my left wrist. It resonates deeply with me. Thank you David, for these videos!

[@jackbrooksbank8429]

Hi David, I don't know if you have done anything like this some time in the past, but would it be possible to get a video some time about where you get your paper? I was reading somewhere that you use handmade paper, but I don't have any idea what that looks like. Thanks!

[@seseragistudio]

Our paper is made by the Iwano family, up in Fukui Prefecture. Here's a link to a video about them (not my video, but it should do ...): kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3icdoCerNuFnqs

[@koolkeo3189]

I am a new subscriber and I have a question. Is there ANY kind of way to do a cheat version for kids? My kids and I just got into wood carving and now we are amazed by this wonderful craftsmanship you create! But I know and see how difficult this work is so, I was thinking maybe have them carve something they're able to, and use it to layer it after each color dries? I don't want to take away from this mystical craft but they are young and just barely got into wood carving. But I would eventually like us to get to a level of this point, (well not THIS point because it's so difficult but) down the road as a family thing we do together. It seems so meaningful. Any advice would help a lot! Oh, by the way, I love the fact that you have a great sense of character and you do Japanese designs and speak it as well. We love Japanese culture and I studied Japanese for about 6 years. I need to get back into it. I admire you; my kids do too! Thank you for sharing these amazing videos with us. 😊

[@Javid_74]

You could say he is dealing with the pressure of this print well.

[@sedationsounds7713]

In my opinion if someone is being distracted by the droning of an air conditioner they are not actually paying attention to the craftsmanship being displayed.

[@lolledopke]

This might be too long to answer in a youtube comment, but what's been your experience of being a westerner who's working with a traditionally Japanese art form? Are they welcoming or have you met resistance?

[@seseragistudio]

The short answer is that - for the most part - the other craftsmen in this field have been open and welcoming towards me. I don't have much contact with them these days, but when I was 'fresh', I received a lot of helpful advice. (And as an aside, just today there will be a TV crew here, and as the final part of the day's filming, I'll be in a bar together with carver Motoharu Asaka, to sit and chat together about our work and friendship ...)

[@キョリュークルカーン]

Hello David, lovely pieces of art I've seen so far. By the way, how proficient are you in Japanese, both oral and written? Thank you in advance!

[@seseragistudio]

Conversation is totally no problem, and I can make speeches and presentations in Japanese easily. I read 'pretty well', as long as I have good context ... as for writing, I do next to none ...

[@キョリュークルカーン]

Thank you so much for your kindest answer! I work for the Japanese cabinet from time to time, as an interpreter. I can voluntarily help you in Japanese, in any way, should you need. :)

[@shadowsteve]

Hi David, thanks for another video. I was interested to ask: having watched some of your other videos I noticed the wood blocks are generally a standard size, or smaller post card size. What is the largest wood block you have worked on? For example do the blocks get up to an A2 or even A1 size?

[@seseragistudio]

The largest print I have made is the Kaigetsudo Scroll, discussed on this website: woodblock.com/scroll/index.html Many people have made far far larger ones than that ...

[@coreyhenderson8351]

can you take me on as an apprentice? i have no experience at all but i love you're work, keep doing what you're doing, would love to see what you're currently working on!

[@seseragistudio]

Corey-san, this is pretty much a daily request in my inbox, and I'm sorry, there is just no way we have the structure in place to handle this sort of thing ... :-(

[@coreyhenderson8351]

i had thought not, thanks for your reply though. I live in scotland, no where near japan i don't think it'd be a possibility anyway haha! Perhaps i'll take it up as a hobby :)

[@Jotape1971]

One question, how is embossing protected, when the prints are in the process of pressing/drying ?

[@seseragistudio]

We don't need to do anything. The pressure of the drying boards is evenly distributed, and it doesn't affect the embossed areas at all ...

[@DarkElectravire]

i gotta sleep i dont have time for a 20 min video , 20 min later GOD DAMMIT NOT AGAIN WHYYY

[@heimdal8]

I find it funny that in your video about Ito Susumu you say that you were almost scolded by him for not accepting or understanding the repetetive nature of being a carver. In this episode you tell your printer the same thing.

[@seseragistudio]

Training the next generation! :-)

[@VideoGameManiac8]

you deserve way more subscribers!

[@accountnamewithheld]

For the colour gradient printing of the sky, could you not run a test piece of washi before using the half-completed print on the blocks? The way the narration was going, it sounds like it either goes perfectly or you have to toss your half completed print in the bin. :(

[@Javid_74]

I wish I could graduate as easily as this man does gradations

[@iluvsakuraandsyaoran]

could someone explain to me the comment dave meant about ayumi-san's first gradation on this print? the blue seeped into the two leaves? i didn't really understand.

[@seseragistudio]

If you look at the block around 12:25, you can see where the area of two leaves have been carved out of the sky zone. A couple of seconds later, she tries to pull out tiny amounts of water that are caught up at the end of the two areas. It seems she didn’t quite get the water out, because when we turn the print over after taking the impression, you can see blue stains there ...

[@iluvsakuraandsyaoran]

thank you dave! that helps a lot :)

[@robgalaxy7763]

Wow amazing

[@Racmaster00]

Hi Dave, I'm planning a trip to Japan in October and I'd love to visit your shop and buy a print personally from you and maybe chit chat for a few minutes. I know you have a shop in Asakusa, but is that your main shop and do you personally run the store? Also I don't know how much free time I'll have but that wood carving class seems like a lot of fun, so maybe I'll run into you there.

[@seseragistudio]

I'm in the Asakusa building most days, but I can't guarantee any particular day of course. If you drop us a note when it gets closer to your visiting date, I would have a better chance of being able to answer either way ... Thanks for the interest!

[@Racmaster00]

David Bull Thank you for responding, can't wait!

[@danielmichels]

So I guess that there is no two equal prints right? I know you can tell something about the mood of an artist compairing prints of the same woodblock (I wouldn't, probably).. also, I think people has the idea of repetitive work as certain path to boredom; but this is not a simple work at all, plus it demands practice and concentration.. surely to send away such feelings..

[@DarkAvatar1313]

Any updates on "Tako-san" yet? :)

[@seseragistudio]

Nothing to report, sorry. But having said that, I _can_ report that through the success of the Patreon campaign started a few months back, I have now made an agreement with a bilingual young man to start here soon, with the express purpose of taking away all my desk work. So it won't be long now ... Thanks for the interest!

[@kiketsunoningen]

Hey David! I plan on visiting Japan pretty soon, so is there any way I can come stop by your workshop to say hi, and perhaps a signature? I'm a great fan, watching your video for months now, and I just wanna meet the man behind the camera. -Thanks, Keiji

[@seseragistudio]

Just look up Mokuhankan in Asakusa ... that's where you'll find us!

[@kiketsunoningen]

Appreciate the swift reply, David! Thanks for letting me know~ See you soon, -Keiji

[@juanfranciscobrizuela]

do you make internacional shipments?

[@seseragistudio]

Yes, we ship all over the world. There is information on shipping, etc. over on the website: mokuhankan.com/index.html

[@dannky12]

I love the videos where you have people speaking in japanese

[@therealbluedragon]

another great video. :)

[@batbite_]

I don't think I can afford your print in the near future, but what about a journey to the west print?

[@RikerLovesWorf]

David Bull, is Ayumi still making barens? What about Gotou-san, the baren maker? He never stole her from you?? xD

[@seseragistudio]

There isn't enough work in the baren-making field for the both of them; that was clear from right back when she first began working with him. She is still interested, and is actually working on a couple of them now (at home in the evenings), but as things stand right now, she _needs_ this printing work ...

[@velliot]

glad the video game stuff is much less prevalent on the channel

[@GreenGiantSlayer]

Hey David, do you have any social media accounts? If not, id love it if you made an instagram account to maybe show progress and keep us more regularly updated. Just a suggestion, though :) keep up the great work!

[@seseragistudio]

We update frequently on Facebook: facebook.com/mokuhankan/ Thanks for the interest!

[@GreenGiantSlayer]

Thanks for replying :)