Remembering a Carver - The Sequel

This video expands on the story of Dave meeting the woodblock carver Ito Susumu back in 1992. Using old video cassettes from the producers of the TV program made at that time - saved from the cutting room floor - we see Dave getting a 'master class' in traditional woodblock carving.
If you haven't seen the original 'Remembering a Carver' video, it is here:
• Remembering a carver -...
Links
The Mokuhankan website:
mokuhankan.com
Dave's Twitch stream:
/ japaneseprintmaking
The Patreon:
/ mokuhankan
Mokuhankan print subscriptions:
mokuhankan.com/subscriptions
***
The web page discussing tying with string that was mentioned in the video:
woodblock.com/encyclopedia/ent...
***
Comments on Dave's visit to Ito-san from the producer of the original TV program back in 1992, Ms. Reiko Furuichi
"I visited the carver Susumu Ito with David in 1992. Mr. Matsuzaki the printer had arranged the visit for us. (David has already written about this visit in this newsletter, but we TV people have another side to the story!)
Mr. Ito was an elderly 'shokunin' with sullen looks. I didn't even know how to talk to him, but began the interview with my heart in my mouth. It was a strange scene that David and Mr. Ito made, sitting side by side. Their body sizes were completely different and we were not able to shoot the scene in the usual way (Mr. Ito was small and worked with his body hunched over). David felt small sitting beside the 'master', but when we looked at them through the camera lens, it seemed just the reverse; it looked like as though David was bullying Mr. Ito.
So it was quite a difficult situation for our crew. The cameraman was struggling to take pictures of them as they sat on the tatami with tools scattered here and there. He had to work very unnaturally, shooting between their heads and shoulders, and he looked at me quite reproachfully. And what was worse, was that David's ability to listen to Japanese language was far from perfect at that time, and the way Mr. Ito spoke was not easy to understand even for us Japanese. Would this interview work out? We were quite concerned ...
And what happened? Well, Mr. Ito didn't care about the camera at all and eagerly started to tell a lot of things to David. We felt his extraordinary desire to pass on his knowledge to David. Two people have the subject in common. One is eager to tell what he knows, and the other is eager to learn it. It seems that nothing can disturb them. As time went by, the things that Mr. Ito said to David became more and more specific, and at last he was teaching David the 'secrets of carving' with 90% gestures and 10% Japanese that consisted of just isolated words. It seemed as though he was trying to teach David everything he knew in this few hours. It would take a few years to teach them at school. David listened to him with all his heart and mind and strength. Gradually Mr. Ito became to look big for us, too.
One knife came to David's hand and then back to Mr. Ito's hand. This was repeated again and again. It was a happy encounter beyond every difference - age, language, or nationality. Mr. Kenichiro Nakaba, the cameraman, kept taking shots of their hands as much as he could.
After we returned to our office, we talked about how beautiful the hands of the two men were. Why did Mr. Ito try to teach his techniques to David so eagerly? What was David trying to do? Do we really understand Japanese woodblock prints? What is happening in the traditional culture of Japan? ..."
***
0:00 Introduction
5:24 Going to Ito-san's Home
6:07 Ita Bokashi (Carved Gradations)
7:35 Sharpening
12:05 Brush Strokes
15:03 Blade Length and Wrapping
17:23 Dave Shares His Work
18:50 Ito-san Carving
25:10 Discussion and Ending

[@MorganFreemansFavoriteFreckle]

This is the The Empire Strikes Back of KZbin Japanese woodblock print-making videos

[@jordangroff8978]

Perfect day for that comment ha

[@-KillaWatt-]

Let's hope Disney doesn't buy him out and ruin everything.

[@FastRedPonyCar]

I know.

[@ThunderSlav]

If you think about it, his prints are clones... So, in a few years im expecting some Printing Clone Wars sequel

[@johnm2450]

Lmao

[@macklee6837]

"It's just a hobby for you" "No, it isn't. I'm a Craftsman"

[@Hysteria98]

More prevalent when you realise that Dave may likely be one of the few true craftsmen still keeping the trade alive. I hope i'm wrong, but it's been somewhat inferred over the years.

[@canpeksoylu9789]

This is honestly the best possible sequel to the "Remembering a Carver" video possible in my opinion. First we heard the story, now we actually see the story happen ourselves. Thanks a lot David!

[@FPJ08]

A day with a normal David Bull video is a good day. A day with a sequel to "remembering a carver" is truly a great day.

[@JBeachill]

Tvero 1 i

[@JBeachill]

Jpuhpiy

[@peterjensen6844]

63 Years...and it still breaks. That is probably the most profound sentiment in the whole video

[@dctrbanner3964]

22:29 every student being shown how to do something that they've been trying to figure out for ages. We all know that feeling.

[@robrick9361]

David kept the same hair style, beard style and clothing style for almost 30 years. Now that's dedication.

[@malafakka8530]

But I think it looks better today than it did back then.

[@PredatorFan13]

Like Mr. Rogers.

[@chrisd530]

Dave looked like everyone's favorite cool uncle back then.

[@leonblum816]

To be fair he still does

[@just4youtube245]

Everyone's favourite teacher.

[@itwasselfdefense2866]

I always love hearing someone talk about something they are passionate about.

[@crixxxxxxxxx]

I think that video is recommended to people as an example of “unintentional ASMR.”

[@whochangedmyscreenname]

Heeeey, it's also incredibly interesting and I've gone on to become a regular viewer of this channel! ^_^

[@Lamawalrus]

Among other things, I think

[@delboykinobi5273]

I totally respect Dave bull as a craftsman but it was asmr that brought me here..... Unintentional 100%

[@Jamie_Pritchard]

It's how I found the channel originally, and I've been hooked on David's pleasant tone and manner, and of course seeing his skill and artistry ever since.

[@adamwest8711]

I actually had to go looking for him. I was watching Peter Draws try out some Lino carving and the comment section had maybe a dozen people say something ‘like you should check out Dave Bull’ and referring to them both as being the ‘Bob Ross’ of drawing and carving respectively. Eventually, I had to check it out and became an avid consumer of videos and twitch streams.

[@chickenpotpieare3things]

Dave:"Seems plastic really does live forever" 3:33 Also Dave:*Slips 28yo plastic bag into The Shadow Realm* 3:37

[@mrbibs350]

The way Dave talked about him in the first video, I wasn't expecting someone so lively and animated. I thought Ito would be much more reserved and withdrawn. I think Dave might have been remembering how he felt at the time.

[@Cernumospete]

I just dicovered this now in my recs, somewhen inmidst the corona epidemic, I was just only remotely interested in woodcarving (more into japanese arts, in a broad sense), and here I am hanging on the lips of a japanese master showing his tipps and knowledge to a younger generation from out of the land catched 28 years ago to be aired on TV, caught on Video cassettes that then, decades later, get digitalized and shown on a worldwide medium to everyone. THIS moment of excellence.

[@enzotje123]

This is already the best day of 2020, thanks Dave!

[@frbe0101]

That sadly not a high bar.

[@leashy666]

When David’s voice goes low tone and his talk gets soft it’s like pure asmr.

[@coppertop9365]

The old Carver video never leaves my recommended.

[@adamitj]

Everyone: but carving is too hard for me Dave: *speaks in Japanese fluently*

[@BIZEB]

I majored in printmaking over 10 years ago. I was at the edge of my seat, watching you try to extract those tips from the master. I haven't felt this in years. Thank you for sharing.

[@silasmoon]

As someone who adjusts wooden dovetail joints by hand with a special chisel, I share your disbelief in the absolute masterful dexterity those fine cuts required. Going into my bedroom to examine a few pieces we purchased from your beautiful studio after watching this. Hope you're well.

[@NecromancyBlack]

That calligraphy carving stuff he said makes a lot of sense once he actually explains it. Very interesting.

[@wrybreadspread]

He cultivates a Jim Henson appearance and has a Fred Rogers demeanor. David-san is a most watchable host.

[@jordangroff8978]

It's kinds weird seeing Dave with brown hair lol.

[@seseragistudio]

To you and me both, buddy ... :-)

[@kristopherpoulsen653]

I mean... Most of his head hair is still brown so it's not hard to imagine 😐

[@youseeit916]

There needs to be an ASMR Battle of the Five Armies among Remembering a Carver, Pat LaFontaine Cranial Nerve Exam, Diana and Geeta's Alexander Technique, MassageASMR's Touch Tapping 5.5, and John Burton with all of them wearing their navy suits for war

[@electronkaleidoscope5860]

22:26 I'm honestly really curious what crossed your mind at this point to make you react that way

[@seseragistudio]

You and me both ... 28 years later ... I presume it's just an expression of 'Sheesh ... just look at this guy ... he's _good_!'

[@5chr4pn3ll]

Omg we are blessed today :D

[@fishi809]

I'm so happy that there are people like you out there, Mr Bull. Though I am no woodblock carver, I am a craftsman-artist myself. Many of my colleagues hold onto little treasure piles of knowledge that they hoarded together over their years, and they shroud them in secrecy, usually out of petty jealousy and spite, or a in a misguided, vain sentiment of false professionalism, instead of sharing it with those who could use them, and develop them further. I'm overjoyed to see that you're not one of those kind of people. The footage that you have put together is fascinating to watch, and I'm sure many craftsmen in your line of work appreciate it way more than I ever could. Thank you for sharing.

[@Eteric]

Hey David, have you ever considered doing a skillshare course on Japanese print making? I think a lot of people would find it interesting, and it would help preserve the art form.

[@CULTTENNIS]

Dave's passion for his craft after all these years is still extremely evident in his eyes, theres a certain fire that will never go out in his soul. Fantastic content as always.

[@MackofejFTW]

I was like, yay we get to see Dave 25 years younger --> looks exactly the same but no white hair , gotta love Dave 😀

[@Sol-um1qn]

I love you David Bull, you've got me so interested and passionate about Japanese Prints. And I love seeing your passion for it all too, its so lovely to watch you just passionately talking away. Stay safe and all the best to you

[@rivers4753]

What a great way to finish off a great story. I really love how, although Ito would never take you as a student or disciple or what have you, he became so very passionate about teaching you all his secrets to carving. It was evident that he wanted someone to learn and he absolutely saw the potential in you. Once again, a fantastic video and a fantastic story.

[@lytecyde]

This is exactly what I mean, the shokunin (artisans) uses the wholly body in expressing art, while the European tradition often seems to neglect the physical for the art. It inspires me to exercise more. Thanks so much for this!

[@harrymcvicar5356]

Experienced craftsmen always seem to have such great souls, even though I know little to nothing about carving I feel privileged to watch these clips.

[@NecroFromDark]

He seemed so open and friendly to teach you these things while the camera team was there. I can't imagine that the money he got for the shoot was the motivator he needed to teach you about carving. Do you have an idea why he didnt want to share his secrets in privat with you?

[@tauceti8341]

He was a foreigner, think about the time the master grew up in, and what revealing the secrets might mean. Lots of underlying issues that would be complex to understand even if we could read the master's mind.

[@Iberny3]

Tau Ceti Something like this explains it quite logically. Apart from a foreigner he was also a stranger.

[@jackhall9268]

Racist

[@allewis4008]

@@tauceti8341 A good craftsman keeps secrets so that he can't be replaced. Very important if you have to feed your family.

[@jackquentin1950]

I guess it would be a mix of tradition (mind you, it's a very old art form so carvers then had to not share as a necessity so they won't be replaced), Ito Sumumu's experience in the war and how that might have affected his views on Dave being a foreigner, and the time this was happening.

[@DaddyGflexNuts]

10:49 Dave, I want you to know I sat in my chair and shimmied my shoulder for almost 3 minutes until I felt like I could try to do it myself.

[@Samuel-bm5ov]

Found this in my recommend, it's been a long time since I watched the original video and I couldn't be happier to see this in my recommend today.

[@nextlifeonearth]

"his head was barely moving, how does he do that?" He must be a bird.

[@Epyon1201]

13:55 "The older guys were always on about this..." Crazy to think about how much is lost given the context of who's saying it.

[@newintellectual.]

This channel essentially teaches me to love and respect your passion in life and work diligently to pursue it. Thank you, sir. I love your work and I wish to buy one of your glorious prints. Keep on smiling :) @22:26

[@TheBigSvaamp]

Yes! I watch the "remember a Carver" and "beginnings" videos at least once every 6 months. This is a fine addition to my collection!

[@vanessathenavigator]

Same here!

[@gaelstromproductions]

Is it strange that I teared up when he said he got them digitized and the historian in me just couldn't handle the joy that we have retained this history now forever? That and through his entire carving footage I didn't realize my mouth was hanging open until it faded back to Dave, and I was leaned into the monitor. Couldn't believe my happiness when the Cameraman finally was able to achieve a true zoom on his carving.

[@mortenjaeger4997]

First KZbin recommended 'Remembering a Carver' when it first came out. Now it did the same with this. Keep it up Dave! Love the content, and your streams have been a learning experience as well

[@matthewsawczyn6592]

22:50 - This is such a beautiful shot He seemed so excited to share his craft!

[@Not_Lenny88]

Another instant classic. Well done Dave, and everyone involved in making this video. I'm sure we will see videos about YOU someday.

[@S3dINS]

I’ve just watch remembering a carver part 1. Now I’m here watching this. Your voice reminds me of Bob Ross. I’ve never seen carvings like these but watching the intricate carving of the hair was amazing, and yes you are a craftsman.

[@dascodraws6040]

I'm so glad to see you well and to get another video from you!

[@ElementalrxKX]

I got to meet you on my trip to japan and it was truly amazing! Thanks for everything and we have 2 of your prints in our house frames now

[@AlchemistTongueDrums]

It's so cool to see him open up and his almost childlike enthusiasm for his craft. You can tell he recognizes David's seriousness and passion for carving. We're very privileged to be able to witness such a high level of craftsmanship.

[@nokiot9]

That is truly the experience of a lifetime. To get a master, especially a old school Japanese one, of anything, to sit down and explain things to you... it’s almost unheard of. They really believe in “learn by doing/observing”

[@nokiot9]

For him to let you compare your tools to his 😦 wwoooooow. Absolutely amazing. I think if you hadn’t brought your work with you and tools, he wouldn’t have opened up like that though.

[@slycooper459]

I had TOTALLY forgotten about the first video, until I saw this pop up in my feed. I can’t believe I ever forgot about it

[@vivianeb90]

You have such a profound understanding of the Japanese culture. I felt a little bit upset that the Japanese carvers are so secretive about their craftsmanship, that they were so reluctant to show you and that they only made an exception because they were paid, I felt that was unfair, but after you explained his point of view I really understood where he was coming from. Such as yourself one has to be really serious about learning this craft. Actually all crafts. And you are so passionate about woodcarving; you were so appreciative about learning even the tiniest bit, you did not care so much about the rejections and just pushed on on your own. That is amazing. I still have to learn that. I hope that I can be so passionate about something.

[@LCVII]

Undoubtfully those two videos are the real-life presentation of a hero's journey, one who once met the master and then worked his way to become a master himself, humble enough to not acknowledge that, but good enough to be it.

[@tauceti8341]

Idk to you especially. But knowing that the widow kept those videos and even offered them to you who the master was beginning to accept 2 years before I was born and given me access to this much comfort is pretty surreal.

[@stocchinet]

The attention in simulating the imperfection of the bristles on the trail part of a brush stroke is astonishing, something i wuold never think of doing.

[@litchofc]

Hi!, new fan here!, i just finished watching all your videos yesterday, greetings from Argentina!

[@windmill1965]

Not only is this video a great sequel. Also publishing the commentary from the producer, in the text box below the video, adds to the story.

[@Vintage_Khaiell]

I see the “ most delicate print” there in the background from part 1. I enjoy it when you plant these things in the background. I can’t recall if you ever told the story about it.

[@seshdbn]

A Dave rambling video is what cures the soul.

[@gregsvoice5628]

It's amazing to think that Ito probably met and learned from carvers that came before the Meji period and that Dave was then able to learn from that long history of tradition in such a direct way. Makes the past feel that much closer.

[@TaterChip91]

I was at a movie store a few weeks ago, and I'm just scrolling through the giant wall posters and was completely surprised to find a 3' by 5' poster of The Great Wave. Gave me a little chuckle

[@jaeboy817]

i came across dave from unintentional asmr but stayed for his stories. man is full of wisdom and i loved every second of it

[@Falcrist]

Mr. Bull, part of the reason people like that video so much is because both in the US and in Japan we're constantly bombarded with bombastic, banal bullshit. It's nice to listen to someone tell a real story in a calm and measured tone. And don't kid yourself. That story is a narrative masterpiece. You have a gift for storytelling.

[@TommyEfreeti]

Glad to see you're well David. I enjoyed meeting you back in February, and being shown those items! I look forward to framing the prints I brought home.

[@JLawL]

I just got done watching the first video, which like many others I randomly came across while browsing other things on KZbin. Lucky for me this was also recommended after it was done. Very exciting to see a master at their craft, especially one which will likely one day die out. When I was young, I traveled all across North America, mostly in Northern Canada and a few US states with my grandfather, who is currently the only person alive who’s been trained to make all forms of Native snowshoes. We’re actually currently in the process of preparing his collection, which includes at least one pair from ever maker from every native tribe in North America, to go to the Smithsonian at the end of the year. Most of the makers who originally taught him their particular styles were the last makers in their village, and many were in their 70’s some 25 years ago, when they agreed to make one last pair for my grandfather. We have hundreds and hundreds of hours of him making all the various types of snowshoes in the hopes that he will not be the last to ever make them, as he has dealt with many health issues that prevented him from ever teaching others. Hopefully others like yourself are doing the same for your craft.

[@Shadamehr100]

'Its Not Garbage (Remake)' video recommendation from KZbin brought me to David's channel. I had previously been watching a lot of Japanese craft videos.

[@kimberlyf.4130]

Look how detailed and delicate he works. Incredible.

[@joshuaanthoni2208]

The way david is listening to a old Japanese carver and giving him tips of carving and him today being such an important role of him still learning and understanding to this day is such a hound and special experience for him when David was a beginner and now being a expert is such a improvement over 28 years later and I’m just a noobie to his channel I would love to meet him one day and hear him speak about carving and doing a long lecture of him understanding Japan old cavers or the cultural understanding I would never tired of it .

[@Jaydosu]

I love these uploads! Thanks Dave

[@Swarm509]

Dave's early experiences working alone trying to figure things out really resonates with me. I do spoon carving for a year or so now and have never actually met another person who does it. I am lucky enough to have access to the internet and many videos on the subject at least but it isn't quite the same. Hopefully in the next few years I will be able to travel and meet people who are interested in this craft as well and get the same experience Dave does in his video.

[@brknlv]

I really needed one of your videos

[@TheGuyWearingPink]

Amazing. Thank you for sharing this with us!

[@ayden839]

Thank you David, I really enjoyed it!

[@galloboy777]

This video has some of the warmest energy I've ever felt.

[@caiodnog]

Excellent video as always!

[@chevronlily]

I have unintentionally learned a great deal of woodblock carving lore by watching this channel initially for the pleasant voice! I was recently able to view several mokuhankan woodblock prints in a pop up shop and I'm so glad that KZbin recommended this channel and the original remembering a carver video so long ago for that experience.

[@Kjca_1998]

Love the story time videos 💙

[@Carlos-fz4md]

Thanks for the video, great as always

[@sttream6410]

Just came off rewatching the first video couldn’t believe I would be blessed with this part 2.

[@Pyratheon]

Really enjoyed this video as well, David! Fantastic to learn more.

[@HolographicSweater]

remembering those great people who touched our lives is one of the best things to do!

[@tarancasey7780]

Thank you so much for showing theses clips there so helpful !

[@MegA-fi6vc]

Seeing this video in my sub box has just absolutely made my day :) All the best Dave, thank you so much for your content!

[@Rac00n]

Thank you for this. I love your videos

[@RikerLovesWorf]

Amazing video, please more!!

[@tonywatson987]

SOOOO good! Easy to see how enthralled you were to learn from a master. Don't dismiss yourself so lightly - there are thousands of people who really appreciate your dedication to preserving and reviving this old craft - and you are now Sensei to a new generation! Thanks for doing this for us, Dave-san.

[@GilbertTang]

Magnificent. Thank you so much, Dave.

[@containercore6832]

Always love these deep dives into printmaking history. You guys are the best!

[@KiranHuilgol]

This is brilliant Dave, perfect sequel. Thank you very much

[@garethdabell6493]

What an incredible video. Thank You do much Dave.

[@ThePlatypusReturns]

Truly great video, thank you for sharing.

[@bfrazer8696]

I have been waiting for this video for 3 LONG YEARS, I am SO excited

[@MostlyMajestic]

This is very cool. Thank you for sharing.

[@Martin-xd4jl]

Wow, for VHS footage from 1992, the quality is remarkable.

[@liamedwards8759]

Yet another fantastic video! Love these more personal, historical videos as much as the usual content, keep up the good work!

[@thomaswieland9712]

Thank you so for sharing this story, Dave! Your work is much appreciated!

[@hikiniki8610]

Great video, David-san!

[@targetplaz4933]

what a beautiful video. thanks for sharing these with us :D

[@sk8flipout29]

I have been waiting so long for this video and I am just now seeing it. Amazing video, thank you for sharing.

[@s_patzz8212]

A wonderful update, thank you David!

[@Dinglebarriez]

I love these videos! Thank you for taking the time to share. You are a WONDERFUL story teller.