Beginnings (part 1)

Another 'ramble' video from woodblock printmaker Dave Bull in Tokyo. This is the first of a two-part set that will cover Dave's early beginnings in woodblock printmaking, and focusses on the first prints he ever bought - a set of four designs based on the old novel 'Genji Monogatari'. They were designed by Okada Yoshio, and published by the Yuyudo Company in Tokyo in the late 1970s.
The images of the prints contained in this video are copyright Mr. Yoshio Okada. (People have been asking about how to obtain the book that I show in this video. The book has no ISBN, so I can't give you a definitive link, but the title in Japanese is 絵草紙 源氏物語 (E-zoshi Genji Monogatari), and it was written by Tanabe Seiko and illustrated by Okada Yoshio. Published by Kadokawa Shoten in 1979.
[Update: the four prints are now available to view in the Mokuhankan Collection here: mokuhankan.com...]
Dave's personal website (kind of old-fashioned) is at:
woodblock.com/f...
His newer work with the Mokuhankan venture is at:
mokuhankan.com/
The famous Ukiyo-e Heroes prints can be seen here:
mokuhankan.com...
Dave streams many days each week over on Twitch:
/ japaneseprintmaking
... and there is a Patreon page at:
/ mokuhankan
Thanks for watching!

[@neallockhart2637]

I feel like this guy represents everything I am lacking in my life; culture, patience, and appreciation for subtle detains. Inspiring. Subbed.

[@davidabenza2039]

couldnt agree more. Plus a pinch of inocent harmless sense of humour

[@Eteric]

The love of life? Yeah, I feel that way too. :/

[@flammenwaffenfries3039]

*details

[@madeuinheavan108]

I hope y’all are doing okay man

[@puppude]

😂

[@VoyKarma]

Imagine having someone like David Bull as your teacher at school i would have learned so much more, his passion is infectious.

[@hombretropical3028]

David are you kidding me? I could listen to you talk about buttering bread for 40 minutes!! So happy there's a new story video!!!!! 😁😁

[@michal2788]

Agreed. Just your voice alone is amazing, you combined with your story is AMAZING.

[@watchassassin1014]

I love bread and butter. I'm up for this one.

[@Tudogs]

ASMR

[@WhamBamBoozler]

To be honest this story of how you came to be where you are in the world of Ukiyo-e could be a movie. It has everything! It has comedy, suspense, romance, action (I'm sure you could pretend to fight a monster or something). I smell an Oscar!

[@nitrocreeper10]

Agree

[@realrebelli0n]

I'm very sure he did fight a couple of monsters, as we all have to at some point. By hearing him talk and seeing his progress, it looks like he's winning the fight.

[@nateswitch]

39:10 - This has hit me hard and I listen to this small section every day. Trying to fulfill a dream of my own, hearing this come from such a soft, gentle and warm soul, means everything. You are a talented man, David. I don't think you know how many of us come here just to see your work and listen to your voice. Please don't stop.

[@SimonClark]

One of my favourite videos of yours David. Hearing about your journey as a developing craftsman is fascinating!

[@andrewr.melillo3815]

357

[@grandunification]

Oh hey there, nice channel! Yay physics!

[@mcmodmod5533]

Simon Clark fancy seeing you here

[@sofiedehaan2360]

O

[@giorgiacorona486]

ewmebsbxbcnfbdndncbdazaxafadqxdasqqvavavagshqgafasvsvdhrgehddgdfdgfhdhsgfd

[@internetexplorer8588]

When you pulled out the first print I said, out loud, "holy shit". That's how beautifully striking these are.

[@shoulders-of-giants]

hōri shito

[@pheenix42]

My mouth fell open. Not lying.

[@randjan8592]

34:45

[@rancorlover]

It was so shocking that it made internet explorer load fast!

[@edvhollywood4544]

But he said the face isn’t loved by some Japanese, I think I understand their thinking, they are different? They pleased me.

[@lisasolier504]

You’ve also become quite popular amongst ASMR enthusiasts. Your voice is very relaxing and the content is so interesting.

[@trahnettilhcs]

@Smut Brush Dude your name is Smut Brush, you have no basis to denigrate anyone

[@RatFilth]

Smut Brush blech how dare people relax everyone should use their energy to dislike things that don’t affect them like I do because I’m a fucking moron. Thanks for the input bud.

[@lightokamii]

@@trahnettilhcs fuck typa name is Smut Brush😭

[@iSailorBoat]

Absolutely amazing! This passion of Dave's is exactly what made me go to Japan and visit his shop. Amazing.

[@goilo888]

I visited Japan last year before knowing of Dave. Found out recently he was 20 minutes from my hotel. I could kick myself.

[@Friedtoenails]

Same here I visited in summer 2019

[@nextlifeonearth]

You're like a more personal Bob Ross that works with a chisel instead of a brush. You're a true treasure, Dave, and though I just discovered you today, I've been binge watching you and you didn't bore me for a second.

[@seriousgeorge81]

"The way we create light is by surrounding it with darkness". This resonates.

[@telegenicz]

I honestly didn't think that I was going to watch the whole video but Dave is so interesting and the way that he speaks is so intriguing and almost has a calming effect to just sit down and listen to his wonderful stories. Thank you so much for taking the time to do another one of these videos. It really warms my heart!

[@patriciajoubert426]

Please don’t apologize! We are lucky to have you telling us these remarkable stories of your life. Carry on!

[@CKM-gf3ik]

I love to come back to these old videos after watching Daves year end review, it's so cool to see how much the shop has grown since these days.

[@imover9999]

David, you've planted the seed of wood working into my mind with your first story video I watched a long time ago. I truly believe you're a huge inspiration too many people such as myself to take up the craft in some form or another. (Japanese wood block prints or otherwise) These stories are a true treasure and a joy to listen to. I imagine they're quite difficult to create, but thank you for sharing them with us all.

[@thlee3]

this video went really well with my daily dose of procrastination

[@Drakub]

This is truly some of the best content on the entire internet. Thank you so much for sharing, David!

[@emilykeenan3022]

David, Your looks and your voice and way of storytelling remind me so much of my father who passed when I was younger. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and passion with all of us! These videos bring me a type of nostalgia and peace that is so special to me.

[@angelleon9105]

Dave I know you're busy, but can you do another "Dave's choice" it's a great way to spread knowledge about different prints. Thank you.

[@jessesmithson7941]

Such a relaxing vibe. I had surgery recently and this is helping with my pain.

[@smiiiiles]

This is so lovely. David's joy and appreciation for the prints is infectious.

[@principate]

I had the pleasure of meeting David at his shop earlier this year. Wonderful man. Will always be a big fan!

[@angelinakardakova]

Wow, 40 minutes flew by in a blink of an eye. What an amazing storyteller you are!

[@luxemme8872]

I have been waiting for your story video for so long! I loved every minute of it and can't wait for part 2! The print with the lady behind the curtain is mesmerizing! Thank you Dave for teaching us so much about woodblock prints. Arigato

[@SonicTheComic]

Great video David, its great to see you back here on KZbin. I visited your shop around mid June, I was the British guy with long hair if that helps narrow it down, it was a pleasure to chat to you while I was there and will surely visit again when I'm next in Tokyo.

[@peridusk6128]

Aside from how interesting your story is one of my favourite aspects of this video and all of your videos for that matter is your delivery when narrating. It's extremely clear that you love your work and it puts a smile on my face every time I hear you share your love of woodblock prints

[@Mrblobbybobby]

There's no need to apologise David, you're doing incredibly important work and much of it you have to do yourself so you have a lot on your plate! I'm grateful for any video you manage to give us, and like this one they're always of the highest quality so it's definitely worth the wait :)

[@artfromtheheart4391]

I've been watching your Meaning(s) of Life video far more times than I would like to admit. This is another amazing video to watch and learn about your life and passions. Dave san the loving gaze you gave to that woodblock when you mentioned that 'That's it that's me, that is these things that we've got collected here and that's the story' The passion in your face and the conviction in your voice is mind blowing. Thank you ever so much for making these videos in between your busy schedule. I'm off to watch part 2 now.

[@carlesbusuldu2469]

40 minutes ago y had no idea of this art, now im fascinated

[@johncronin2929]

David you are a once in a lifetime gem! Thank you so much for this!!

[@knottychelsie]

I enjoy listening and learning from someone who clearly has found their passion in life. It’s awesome!

[@EduardoPortasRuiz]

I cried when I saw the first print. So beautiful.

[@thomasodonnell9221]

I am still rather new to your site, David and am seeing vids out of order. Must say, you have a beautiful obsession with these prints and their priduction. I developed a liking fir them in my 20s and decades later, during a period of severe depression, a rediscovery of them and reading how they were made and why helped me back onto my feet. I agree with you that these works rank among the most beautiful works ever done. They influenced the impressionist movement. I am going to continue following you. You are a great storyteller.

[@GerikDT]

Even your stories you carve out beautifully.

[@aidahubbard7697]

This passion of Dave's is exactly what made me go to Japan and visit his shop. Amazing.

[@hsantanna88]

All those stories about leaving the old life behind, finding that spark which motivates your life and embarking towards the huge unknown... It is so inspiring. Thanks for sharing your life stories!

[@millbean13]

I love these nostalgic videos. Learning about different cultures on the other side of the world 30-40 years ago is pretty cool. Keep up the great videos!

[@JoseRamos-kd9ig]

Absolutely Beautiful Prints...Inspiring story!

[@lystic9392]

Hey David, how is it that you can tell us these long stories without losing the thread or stumbling over your words? If I'd have to talk for over five minutes I would probably start having to rephrase many things and tripping over details I don't remember. Jee, it would likely involve a lot of 'uh' and I would likely forget the points I wanted to make pretty quickly. Is that something you have practiced before you appeared on KZbin? You also make the stories sound very interesting, through pacing and intonation. Is that on purrpose or is it something that has always come natural to you?

[@seseragistudio]

Well, I hope it won't be too disappointing to you to hear this, but I use a teleprompter I made a few years ago. For 'ramble' videos like this, I don't feed it a _script_ ... I make a set of 'cue cards' ... this keeps me on track! I just put up a page showing my setup for this video over on our Mokuhankan Conversations blog: mokuhankan.com/conversations/archives/2018/08/video_preparation.html

[@lystic9392]

David Bull Ah ^__^ haha I couldn't tell that you used something like a teleprompter. You had me fooled there. Thanks for telling me! I love your voice, too. Sometimes I watch your videos as stress relief, because it works very well. (I do listen to what you say, though.) I hope you will tell us many more stories. 😊

[@vandalion]

Interesting behind-the-scene stuff. If you ever need an idea for videos, you can make one about that.

[@2adamast]

Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain. I keep thinking he is that naturally trained

[@BloodSprite-tan]

it's not at all disappointing that's really clever! it's always nice to see somebody taking another step to make better content!

[@tyr0n313]

Thank you for these videos Mr. Bull. I frequently watch your videos in the background while working. Your voice is soothing and relaxing. It’s a big stress reliever and allows me to actually focus more. Consequently I’ve learned more about wood block carving and printing that I never knew I had an interest in. Thank you for your videos. I could listen to you tell stories for hours.

[@honkedanne]

This was amazing! I could listen to your stories all day! Can’t wait til the second part! Thank you!

[@theassassin077]

I love how passionate you are about the history of each wood block that you receive from prints that you admired and you own them. 👍🏼

[@fkirsch69]

Thank you so much for sharing these stories, David. As with the last more intimate story you told with such gripping passion, it already moved me to tears. To see and hear about your way, your love for the art and all those passionate people that live so much for this beautiful art is just moving as an artist myself. Thank you so much again. I canˋt wait for the next part. Greetings from Germany.

[@m00hk00h]

The print of the girl in the red dress...just...wow. I got goose bumps every time I looked over from you to the print. The others really aren't any less impressive. It's almost like they have an aura! I completely understand why you were drawn to and amazed by them.

[@michieldewit]

Thank you, Dave, for this wonderful story. And the prints are indeed mesmerizing!

[@howied2829]

this video was fantastic! I had watched the other rambling videos of yours at least dozens of times and im happy to see that more videos like them are coming our way keep up the great work.

[@jdprettynails]

Nothing makes me happier than listening to someone speak with passion on pretty much any topic. This was inspiring. My passion is crochet and my partner and I are somewhat aimlessly adrift right now. We like to create things, but right now it.doesn't pay the bills.

[@jordanrenaud-pq7rx]

Those 4 prints are stunningly beautiful ! The faces are extremely attractive to me.

[@SeithonJetter]

I love how it wraps up at 33 mins... and then goes on for another 7 lol :) As always a lovely video :) Thanks Dave !

[@Shaewaros]

Amazing story, can't wait for Part 2.

[@evandempsey7613]

As soon as you said you were going to do another story-ramble video, I actually started pumping my fist in celebration. Haven't watched past that, but I know it won't disappoint. Thanks for uploading again, the work you do is very special and I'd like to visit your shop someday when I get the chance to visit Japan.

[@evandempsey7613]

Well it didn't disappoint. Cool to hear that you've played sax as well.

[@jiminyfriggit2334]

I have come back to your channel and videos the full way through maybe three times now. It never gets old.

[@TimD.Morand]

Inspirational stories from a wise man. Thank you for sharing, Dave. Looking forward to Part 2!

[@goldandcryptonewsandupdate8199]

I like your long stories, it’s how you tell the story, it’s not just the story that makes it great, if you want to tell it, tell it. Your fans will enjoy it

[@moncilu]

What a great story David. I have been following you on Instagram for a few years as I love woodblock prints and shinhanga especially. Recently I am finally trying to learn making woodblock prints myself as a hobby. I'm stuck home for months as many people are.. I clicked on this thinking it is a tutorial. Not what I was looking for but I couldn't stop watching!! Can't remember the last time I watched any KZbin video for this long in one sitting. What a beautiful and inspiring journey you had. I can't imagine the courage you'd need to completely change your life, especially in the old days without much information or resources to adapt to a foreign culture. I was imaging in my head what it was like when you and your family moved to Japan for the first time and going through the department store on a stormy day... I look forward to continuing part 2 soon.

[@legendrebernard2549]

A great pleasure to meet you again It is true as say Shawn Johnson you are a fantastic and passionate storyteller and a MASTER in this very difficult art of wood engraving !!! So thanks for all !! merci beaucoup David

[@qaantar]

The pictures of the blocks have been up for some time, but I'm glad you got to finally tell the world. It's so exciting to think that those blocks might produce such gorgeous prints again. Thanks for sharing the lovely story!

[@brandonspencer309]

Awesome content!!! I have found that all the best Real informative KZbin channels is to find the one that don't stuff them full of 'commercials'. Very much respect from Vancouver 🇨🇦🤞🏼🤞🏼

[@Will057]

These prints are simply stunning. Especially at 18:00. Wonderful video.

[@cantranslate]

Mr. Bull, by this time, you may not come back to see my comment. Still I would like to give you a solute. Your zest for Japanese Kiyo-e is really contagious. Wonderful story! So inspiring and the end part made my eyes wet. Thanks for sharing with us.

[@massivesandwich6932]

Every time David bull uploads, it feels like heaven

[@bobbypoo8287]

Hello David Bull, I'm one of your fans and I have visited your shop. I am was and am very happy meeting you in person, you were very welcoming and nice to me and my siblings. my name is Shamma and I'm from Dubai

[@cassiusesbien]

Thank you David! You encourage me to go to the workshop everyday with no more pretension that learning and learning 敬意

[@margaretgaerig8137]

Thank you for taking the time to share this with us, Mr. Bull...

[@newyd1]

Very enjoyable. This gentleman's enthusiasm is infectious.

[@rajatadonis]

I am watching this video at the time in life where I am deciding whether to quit that job in music shop and pursue my passion. Thank you David.

[@hushvirginia]

What a wonderful story of passionate persistence and reckless pursuit. Your love of what is beautiful is genuinely inspiring. Your willingness to just DO IT is even more so. Thank you for these wonderful stories. They mean so much.

[@MisterDutch93]

Thanks for uploading this (unknowingly) on my birthday Dave! Great birthday present haha!

[@Zaki19s]

MisterDutch93 Happy birthday😊 Dave returned in ur birthday, such a nice present indeed.

[@mikee4689]

This was beautiful! You’re a fantastic storyteller, thank you for making these videos.

[@jamesb3rg13]

Bless you and your storytelling prowess! Thank you for the journey that you just took us on. It’s absolutely inspiration.

[@anthonycitizencain]

Fabulous David, such a pleasure to hear these stories.

[@kojote]

Awesome profile pic

[@satanic_rosa]

Thank you for making this video! It's a joy listening to you talk about printmaking with such enthusiasm.

[@YatinTribhuwan]

You are a living example of an influential legend. Thank you Sir for sharing this videos. 😇🙌🙏

[@carlpetersen6346]

Such an unexpected joy to have discovered your videos David. Have long been an admirer of woodblock prints - my father introduced them to me as a small boy living in Hong Kong during the 1950s - and during the past decade, as a retiree, have had the good fortune to enjoy several trips to Japan. Hearing your journey, seeing some of your treasures, exploring a little of the processes involved, has been so inspiring. Goose bumps territory mate! Many thanks for sharing. Look forward to viewing all of your videos (hope to download them too) and know the experience will be memorably wonderful. Love the way you teach and your enthusiasm is infectious. Regards from a Down-under fan. Carl

[@crypticsamich1235]

David I absolutely cannot stop listening to this video and part 2. You're an inspiring man. Hope everything is still going well for you.

[@felix-dk9tr]

What a treat! Seeing a new video of yours makes my whole week so much better!

[@TypheousAssassin]

I usually wouldn’t watch wood carver videos, but I found David, and I need more David in my life.

[@the_dredd_ship_nAtAs]

You sir, are an absolute gem of humanity. Thank you for sharing your story. I look forward to part two and any other stories you call share with us all.

[@philbivins7133]

I can't even tell you what a fantastic journey and story this has been. Thank you David for letting "Us" in.....

[@richardkolarik4820]

I have to say, beyond inspirational, i dont think there are words to describe what your video and story have done to me today. I am beyond tears. Thank you for this video and your shared wisdom

[@richardpointer]

This might be the finest youtube channel of them all. Such excellence. Even down to the storytelling. Thank you.

[@TamrHindi]

Great video, looking forward to part 2! My friends recently went to Japan for a holiday, so I recommended they go to your shop for a print party, although they had no previous interest in woodblock printing. They said that when they mentioned that a friend of theirs (me) was a fan of your videos, you said you might recognise my name if I had left comments before on videos, which I never did before. Regardless of that, I am glad they enjoyed their visit, and that you are back to uploading videos.

[@GailitisPrintmaking]

Thank You very much David. These videos give me goosebumps and makes me tear up. That's exactly how I feel about printmaking. Thank You.

[@TaterChip91]

You are seriously a modern day Bob Ross. You need to list your videos under ASMR and unintentional ASMR. Because, damn. Tingles for days. 👏👏👍👍

[@Jay-gi6oh]

Absolutely love your videos. Your enthusiasm is contagious. Keep up the great work!

[@allie1953]

What an inspiring story (beginning of it)! It mirrors a bit of my own journey so I could well identify. I am two years younger and at the time I became interested in Things Japanese (1971) there were very few books available to me on the subject I wanted to read and I had to special-order books (from Kodansha, Tuttle, etc...) as my county library had very little. I also had to walk one hour, one way, to get to the library. But I was driven by insatiable curiosity and enthusiasm and it was worth it. The thirst has never left me. I only discovered this channel in the last month. Now I am on to Part 2. I suppose I will be binge-watching for the next while!

[@mononoke721]

That was fantastic! I'm glad we're getting your woodblock printmaking story from beginning to end. Your decision to take that risk and move out to Japan to pursue this dream of yours is very inspiring. I can see why those four Genji prints really stoked the fire of inspiration within you - they are startingly fine and beautiful. I look forward to part 2!

[@danielgratz4977]

I certainly share in this enjoyment of your voice and storytelling, but when you pulled out those Okada designs, oh man, each one sent my heart soaring. Especially those haunting tendrils of hair! And hearing you talk about learning from the old key block was cathartic in ways I can't explain. David--many, many thanks for sharing both your passion and the objects of that passion. It is meaningful and helpful.

[@andreaegea72]

You are incredible David. Btw, I’m one of the lucky people that bought your The Great Wave print, I gave it to my boyfriend. He got incredibly emotional, and said it was the most beautiful thing someone has ever given him. 🌊 💕

[@quen7770]

David one if your best videos. Really interesting journey and you tell stories I could listen to for hours. Your enthusiasm is infectious.

[@EricGaskell]

As a linocutter your videos are wonderful journeys, I enjoy them all. This one in particular and yes you were right about those prints, they are truly exceptional.

[@azharlatif6228]

David Bull who rediscovered woodblock printing, colour mixing, use of rice binding, competing with Japanese style patient, the craftmanship of his own to add to Japanese tradition. David Bull is a treasure trove of wood carving for learners of this demanding craft. Stay Blessed David Bull! 7 10 2020 Azhar Latif

[@orangade604]

Thanks Dave! I’m sure at times when you have so much going on these time consuming videos must be a bit of a drag, but they are so very appreciated. This video is so special not only for the continued enlightenment of the prints themselves l, but also an inspiring account of following your dreams, not the Hollywood if you really want something it’ll happen... but the having a dream and then the drive and commitment to make something of it. Thanks again

[@Urban-Wings]

Love that set of prints, beautiful and mesmerizing.

[@fazergazer]

The most incredible storytelling and life lessons. Thank you so very much!

[@judithwyer389]

Print making for him even early was not a hobby but a passion and it still is.

[@PeterDiMeo]

Amazing video, beautiful prints, beautiful, soothing storytelling - so inspiring too, I love traditional woodblock prints. Thank you David!

[@fujitafunk]

I love your videos and they're in the true spirit of content creation. What I mean by that is, your videos, your art and craft are what KZbin is truly about. You deserve so many more subscribers than you have! You could do an hour and a half video where you story tell and "ramble on;" and I'd watch every second! Don't stop doing what you're doing David, your content makes so many happy and breathes life into a skill and craft that many don't know of.

[@lrla8657]

LOL I had already turned this video into Part 1 and Part 2 as I fell asleep halfway through. But I can honestly say, you have been an inspiration for me and I've started carving and doing some printmaking via linocut but I've also started carving in another way: a cribbage board which is a rainy day project. I am so glad I've found your videos so long ago. It's an absolute pleasure to hear your beginnings! Thank you for sharing!

[@Michelle-iq2yp]

I dub thee, woodblock bob rose! Jk, but you have that energy! ^^ you got me interested in woodblocking! And I’m having fun learning a new medium.