David's Choice - Episode #6

[@Dr_Mel]

I feel like sometimes I just need to hear from David Bull.

[@optics8019]

yeah, cuz sometimes drinking yourself to death just doesnt cut it

[@ljjlander1]

@@ProperlyParanoid how?

[@rachelbaker3511]

Uplifting tale of snowy something! Love it. The fabric, the beautiful color, the great populist literature of Japan in Meiji Japan.

[@LandsLife]

Literally clicked this just for that exact reason

[@jevansiom1]

Literally everyday I go to work

[@Waknoodle]

These videos could be 4 hours long and I would watch every second

[@Stevofaves]

man i wish

[@donsimons9810]

These are well produced. Why wouldn't you? Your time is very valuable? lol

[@Drakub]

This David's Choice series is the best thing on the internet.

[@jfrere617]

Coming 2 years after to say: Won't be long before the whole series goes to Netflix or something like that lol... Even David himself must have some idea like this between hands xD

[@donsimons9810]

I think this guy should be declared a national treasure in at least 3 countries

[@derekkozel]

"I was kind of getting afraid about this getting a bit too long but the recent feedback from viewers on that point has been pretty strong so whatever, lets go for it" Yes, yes! Go for it! Always go for it. ;)

[@frmacleod]

The clouds parted as the rain died down, revealing a ray of sunshine and glimpse of heaven - another episode of David’s Choice.

[@trahnettilhcs]

frmacleod a fellow Prasanth follower, today is indeed a good day

[@frmacleod]

trahnettilhcs I can’t go a day without a Prasanth video. The dude mellows me out.

[@tigonridge]

Very nice haiku. :)

[@Squalestang92]

The reason I can't get enough of these videos is his pure passion for what he talks about

[@ThomasHeather]

to watch someone who is so clearly a master in his field speak about his chosen subject is so calming and enlightening

[@4468]

Another hugely interesting video, I always love the presentation that Dave gives; such a calm and knowledgeable voice.

[@tmimify]

So those were basically pulp novels of Japan at the time.

[@LCVII]

Man, each and every episode of this series is an astonishing lesson and a priceless transcultural trip! Thank you so much for that Mr. Bull!

[@arcaneportal8981]

As a professional tattoo artist and graphic designer, this traditional artistry will be of use to me for sure , thank you very much for sharing !!!

[@tanyaegorova3149]

You should try offering someone to fill in the sleeve(s, matching, maybe?) with characters inspired by these books! That would be so unique and almost mosaic-like, I think.

[@johnkilbride3436]

I simply love these videos. People sharing their enthusiasm and knowledge about a given is one of my favorite things on KZbin! I highly recommend that anyone that visits Japan checks out David's shop and participates in one of his print parties! It was one of the highlights of my trip!

[@jamescash8051]

I don't always watch Japanese wood block printing videos, but when I do I watch Dave Bull..

[@SockenbartderI]

David allways gives me those beloved Bob Ross vibes

[@geberlan]

Your calm voice and the intriguing subject can be passed as an ASMR :D I'm so glad that I've found this channel.

[@SwitchAndLever]

Yay! I was just thinking yesterday that it was a long time since there was a new video. Love your stories and learning about the intricacies both about the old Japanese printing industry, and history. Thanks for these videos!

[@Dgc2003]

If you didn't already know he does a daily ~hour long stream (www.twitch.tv/japaneseprintmaking). Dave talks a lot about experiences, history, methods, etc.

[@sh0gun___]

I had no idea he did this stream, thank you so much

[@BayernLean]

I enjoy the twitch, but I also enjoy the KZbin videos.

[@WheelEstate]

Yes! ASMR fix received.

[@richardwilliamsiv3778]

We’re here for you David-San. The printing is just a happy bonus

[@heartmountains]

I was really hankering for a new video from you this week and voila, here you are. Thanks for making another video in this great series.

[@illuminarts2794]

These are the perfect blend of interesting, soothing and professional. Thank you, David Bull.

[@clearthought9736]

Such a pure Man.

[@lukeheritage4883]

Hey David! I never was even interested in these topics before I discovered your videos, but I absolutely love watching every one of your videos. Thanks for putting so much work into them, and I hope you continue for a long time!

[@VenusHeadTrap2]

I think viewers love your ramblings because they are like bedtime stories :) and fascinating to boot

[@didndido3638]

Another brilliant video! Your childlike enthusiasm about the subject is truly contagious.

[@JohnAmoss]

I've got a couple of such books. In fact, I think that Dave gave me one when we were working together in '02- and the most impressive thing in my mind is the minute text carving (in reverse, no less!). There was no [DELETE] button for mistakes...

[@CodeProvider]

I was wondering about the text.. looked like people just wrote it over and over again. Carving makes more sense but that's insane

[@JohnAmoss]

Oh, it's all carved to look like brush script. I can't imagine the time invested.

[@tauceti8341]

This is why i love bob so much he has so much ethusisim and passion that it just radiates off him while he speaks, such a joy to get to share his excitement.

[@naui_diver9290]

Your voice is very calming to me Mr. Bull

[@markreed1859]

Once again, absolutely great video David ! I luv your passion and enthusiasm.

[@jofox8066]

Those little books remind me of an early form of comics. They were printed on mass, heavily illustrated and not treated as any kind of high brow art. Thank-you for another excellent video.

[@zach123101]

It's almost like an early comic/manga

[@asmrasmr5943]

Its such an invaluable opportunity with this nauanced topic to be able to gain an appreciation via someone who is dedicated to the craft sharing their insites. Many thanks again.

[@stlrnk]

This is one of the most interesting videos I've seen in a while. Thank you Dave!

[@hushvirginia]

I haven’t been so excited about a new KZbin video as I was when I saw this one pop up. Glad to have you back Dave!

[@1Ma9iN8tive]

Superb explanation of how Japanese ukiyo-e comes to be noticed, appreciated and eventually impactful in European western culture, society and ultimately in European art.

[@RebelliousLens]

Fantastic overview. Tangentially, the prints we purchased back on the 1st of April will be framed and hanged soon. They arrived in California perfectly. We are excited to come visit you again, hopefully soon, and until then will be living vicariously as always through your videos.

[@bumblebeeman2103]

the system of matching symbols for the reading portion of the books looks kinda chaotic at first but it's actually really good for getting the reader to really delve deep into the prints themselves. It's like they're guiding us around all the possible details to look at, really cool!

[@MiguelEnriqueCVeluz]

As someone who used to buy old kokeshi dolls, I agree that people probably find interest in the paper packaging too. I find all sorts of fascinating information just from the newspapers and reused magazines, and often times, the images are just as interesting, if not more.

[@orangade604]

Thank you as always Dave, another fascinating insight into this world. I have read so many books, listened to podcasts, youtube videos and this is the most concise and elegant explanation of the role of books, their form and indeed how they ended up in Europe.

[@yaronimus1]

Thank you so much. That was fascinating. Great video!

[@ljjlander1]

I love your videos, Dave. The longer the video, the better!

[@suzisaintjames]

I know you are busy getting new projects out and these videos take a lot of work, but we so enjoy them that clamoring for more is all we can do! Please, please... More! more! ❤🌅🌵

[@kelseal]

Hi David! Just wanted to say I'm really enjoying these videos! Your tenacity and passion are so inspiring!

[@thijsvisser9414]

Thank you so much for the beautiful stories your gorgeous prints David!

[@spaceyoyo6721]

I imagine, an history of woodblock print made like you do with This David's Choice serie. It would be so great ! But for now, thank you very much. Each episode is a nice moment.

[@lordtyger]

I love this guy. :) Thank you for sharing so much with us David!

[@digitalArtform]

I’m continually amazed by how “well written” your extemporaneous speech sounds in all your videos.

[@seseragistudio]

I don't want to disappoint you, but do have to mention that I use a teleprompter on some of these - the ones where I have a specific number of things that I want to cover. The 'ramble' videos (like the Remembering a Carver) are done 'free', but the video you have commented on was done with the prompting ...

[@BenjiOakwood]

Yey!!! I missed this! Your videos are always so soothing and make me so content.

[@ashhempsall9803]

truly lovely! 🐈‍⬛ thank you Mokuhankan

[@WilliamHalverd]

This is not junk or trash! This is a epic art! Great Job David!

[@MazokuRanma]

I love all of the videos you make, but these are my absolute favorites. You have some really interesting pieces of Japanese woodblock printing history and culture available, and I love learning about them.

[@michaelmcdowall4152]

Even though they're looked down on, are there any characters or stories from that era of pulp novels that have had a lasting impact on Japanese culture? The way Dave describes these books remind me of the oft derided pulp magazines of early- to mid-20th century America, which still gave us timeless characters like Conan the Barbarian, Zorro, Buck Rogers, etc.

[@sushimandaddi]

This is absolutely beautiful it's incredible to think that this was disposable at the time!!

[@rivalconsoles_music]

You are a great communicator of knowledge, thank you!

[@oliversolimeno1904]

I listen to his voice to relax but I can't stop thinking about how hard it would be to cut those and line up the paper perfectly every time.

[@naiche.]

Thank you for the history lesson Dave! Glad to see you active again on KZbin

[@Karlin_Mana]

It's always fascinating to hear your insights. Thanks for another great video.

[@DawnLangstroth]

AI Overlords- rofl 🤣 Love the enthusiasm that you have for your work, Mr. Bull... 🙏🏻😊💕

[@omfgacceptmyname]

the carving and printing videos are a joy to watch (the 3hour cut of girl in the water comes to mind), but your storytelling and the history in ukiyo-e could keep me captivated for hours and hours. i hope to have the money to support your patreon one day; i know i will never regret the investment.

[@idesofmars]

isnt the amount you donate your choice?

[@jayatt9260]

I love these videos. Hugely interesting to see, what seems to me, like an early analog to manga or comic books but also, Dave's passion for this stuff is infectious. And his voice and manner of speaking are so relaxing after a long day of work.

[@adambradley4182]

Great as always! Thank you, David.

[@GreyWolfLeaderTW]

I think we just discovered how manga came about. If the Japanese were illustrating novels with large graphics on every page way back in the Edo era, they effectively invented the graphic novel in the 17th century.

[@TheShayster7]

Good to see you back David 👍🏻

[@iSailorBoat]

YAY!!!! A super long video!!! Great story as well.

[@Gexilla]

Another great video! Thank you so much!

[@toth.42]

@21:42 - Well, we're probably there.

[@massivesandwich6932]

i love this series so much, another great video, thank you david

[@mangs856]

Please add this to the "David's Choice" playlist on your channel. And thank you all for everything you do! I enjoy every minute!

[@seseragistudio]

Done! Thanks for the tip ...

[@honkedanne]

I need more David's choice in my life!!

[@chriss8107]

I was reading about the making of this video on Facebook. I am happy and excited about every new video, learning, experience new things, but I won't push you "We want new videos now!" Take all the time you need.

[@GerikDT]

Wonderful video. Those books really do look like lots of fun. Beautiful art, a story, and even a puzzle, all wrapped into one medium. If there were ever to be a collaboration between yourself, an artist (I think I know just the one), and an author, to produce one of these written in modern Japanese, I imagine it would be a smash hit!

[@andreaegea72]

Good night Dave :)

[@madnessends2477]

Your voice is so relaxing... it gives me such piece... please upload more often 😭

[@RobertMilesAI]

That would be a fun AI project, and certainly doable with current technology. The challenge would be putting together a large enough corpus of human translated work to train the system on. You might find you run out of extant volumes before you've got enough training data to get good performance

[@coloradodafronteira]

Robert Miles Wow I watch all your videos and this is the last channel I'd expect to see you interacting

[@XcaptainXobliviousX]

This might be a good deal easier than all that really. The language itself hasn't substantially changed so much as the letters themselves have. they threw out all the chaff and Hentaigana back in 1900, so It's basically just a job of recognizing the old cursive scripts and transcoding it to modern kana. I'm no expert on computers or AI but surely character recognition is way easier than actual translation?

[@p3t3rjhackett]

Fabulously informative David.

[@sleepfriend9229]

How do you nominate a person as a UNESCO world heritage site? Absolutely ADORE your ability to convey art history in a gentle but focused manner. even though the work may be considered "sub-par" the work its an incredible insight as to how the medium has managed to survive and of the culture in general. thank you for your work!

[@notsogreatsword1607]

My favorite series on this channel! I also got a glimpse of my object of desire Favorite Flowers of Japan. I want an original copy so badly. It's beauty captivates me.....

[@RichMitch]

Ordered the great wave this morning! Can't wait! 💃💃💃

[@wimhoskens6242]

Me too! A new video to watch in the meantime.

[@RichMitch]

Wim Hoskens 💃💃💃

[@Gdsm9]

Fantastic, Dave!

[@alanfredericks926]

Fantastic video David!

[@sune3000]

This is great. I just stumbled upon your channel and you’re a great storyteller.

[@jeffgraham6451]

Wow those first 2 books were amazing looking

[@johnfire100]

most germans today cannot read the old fraktur schrift, the gothic script from before ww1. i spent a fair amount of time studying it just so i could read books from the 1800s. much like your novels. alot of my art books are written like that, also a really cool book on perspective from the early 1700s

[@kyle857]

I have been waiting for another episode in this series!

[@oRitter1799]

Just amazing. As always.

[@afluffywhitekitty8589]

Your channel is so COMFY.

[@MrScotchpie]

These scraps used as wrapping paper went on to inspire the French impressionist movement and later the art deco graphic art. Mucha was very influenced by ukiyo-e

[@isaiahcruz3431]

I love your videos sir, nice to see you upload again :)

[@Protoman00]

Oh yeah, I've been waiting for this! Great video Mr. Bull!

[@4ngu54110tt]

This is incredible! The original pulp fiction! I'm excited about this. It would be awesome to keep the pictures yet translate the stories across multiple languages. Of course this may not be possible using woodblock printing exclusively but digital printing via Photoshop with woodblock printed of covers may be profitable. Imagine being able to read these stories now...how would they be different from today's serials or Manga stories. Please explore this possibility David...If you cannot do this today it may be a possibility for later. Losing this form of Japanese cultural heratige should not be allowed to happen. Thank you.

[@Kyobinoyo]

Hello David, greetings from germany. I love your prints and videos. Keep up this amazing work!

[@bobcatethan8919]

Yaaay you're back

[@lukask9688]

What a great video!

[@Jay-gi6oh]

Love this channel.

[@alexwillis7980]

YESSS!! I was about to write a comment on your previous video requesting another in this series!!!

[@printface4935]

Regarding the details added by the copyists; as a graphic designer, I've often thought the white-on-red star pattern that fills space in many of my Kunichika prints must be a kind of stock pattern. I'm guessing there were sheets prepared with various patterns, and they glued these to the block to fill up the image.

[@micheledeidda2565]

David's choice was a brave and unique one. My choice was similar though what brought me far from my homeland and family was a strong wind in my heart that propelled me into an unknown land. And after all isn't it love in both cases?

[@connor8364]

This is amazing!

[@GlassesnMouthplates]

Basically people back then treated "second hand" Ukiyo-e like how we treat newspapers and magazines nowadays. Except Ukiyo-e are like 100x more complicated to make copies of hence they are so valuable in our era.

[@Zades145]

i wish i could give this video two thumbs up

[@CodeProvider]

AMAZING VIDEO THANK YOU