Beginnings (part 2)

[@KeredAglo]

David Bull, the Bob Ross of Japanese wood block prints. I mean that with the upmost respect. I can feel the passion and the love, not only for the art form but for your audience as well.

[@thomasm6733]

David, your story-telling could honestly hold my attention for hours. I really hope that you release another video like this soon, you call it a ramble, I call it purely entertaining and interesting. You've clearly had quite the adventurous life since observing the display in the Japanese restaurant. Last year I knew nothing of woodblock prints and would probably have expected them to be excruitatingly dull. I'd like to thank you for opening our eyes to this beautiful craft and allowing people like me to appreciate it.

[@OMGreeni]

"my god I must have had brass balls" hahaha ! Such a good storyteller.

[@Orlymusicboy]

Dave never fails to impress me in his genuine love of his craft. He's the kind of person I think we all want to be.

[@movementinok]

Dave, I think I speak for all of us when I say, “You can always say one more thing!” Thank you so much for sharing your labor and life with us!

[@JELLYSKA]

This is the most wholesome channel in the history of KZbin. I highly appreciate taking a small part or your story as a listener, from the corner, just like how you used to sit upstairs at Adachi's printer room soaking up the smallest bit of information you were allowed to access. Dave you are the Bob Ross of traditional japanese wood carving. Keep it up and hopefully one day I can visit your shop in Japan and purchase one of your prints for myself. P.s. please never ever think you are rambling, every word of your stories are just another precious piece for your audience.

[@jurgenludwig8292]

Dave-San, whenever you have time, we would love to hear a full story video like this on your 100 poets series. Please keep up the amazing work you do!

[@seseragistudio]

Beginnings (part 3) will indeed be about that series, and the other events of those years. It's all planned out ... just I'm not sure when I can turn it into reality ... Thank you for the patience!

[@kojote]

​@@seseragistudiopleeeeeaaase

[@Blade0fEvilsBane]

I find myself watching the "beginnings" series for the second or third time. the first, i was new to your channel and content, intrigued, and finished it enthralled. it has been a few months now and i am watching again. this time, with a cast-off block of spruce lumber, a bottle of white glue, a few leafs of paper, a rice spoon, and an old x-acto knife. i found your conversation with yourself at 29:15 to be particularly relatable, because that is the same struggle i have faced in my relatively short life. i dont know if i will stick with printing for 20+ years, but i do know i will be coming back to this series. thank you for the wonderful videos and the wonderful art.

[@OomBeeMe]

I don't remember the time spending such pleasant 40 minutes. I enjoyed every minute of this story (and Part 1 as well). Your videos are made with care and patience, something they definitely share with your prints. Congratulations, these are remarkable pieces of storytelling.

[@FxMoto]

So basically, you had 2 successful businesses before your third. Well done. It took brass balls to leave those behind and start that one.

[@joaopiva6248]

It feels like I'm saying the obvious, but I can't stress enough how amazing this story is. The hard work to build something from the ground up, the courage to follow your dreams and leave safety behind, the ability to persist through rough times and find support in those around you. This is all astounding.

[@_chary990]

a little round of applause for that ending David, quite the cleaver storyteller you are.

[@ude4225]

What a great ending David! As a young artist I love your stories, they encourage me to keep pushing forward despite the odds. Thank you very much

[@Not_Lenny88]

David you truly are a MASTER story teller. Such an amazing video.

[@kmg2480]

I hope you and your staff are all in good health and safety. Nature hasn't been kind to Japan recently...

[@SparkyNarwhal]

@The Real Digger Barnes "Godzilla, zilla, ZILLA, zilla, GODZILLA!"

[@shoulders-of-giants]

@The Real Digger Barnes We aren't part of nature? What?

[@SparkyNarwhal]

@@shoulders-of-giants they're lyrics of a Blue Öyster Cult song "Godzilla" (known for other songs such as, "Don't Fear the Reaper" and "Burnin' for You")

[@bubbapinks5175]

Japan hasn't been kind to nature.... remember the whales

[@TheMegadeth182]

@Darth Revan use the dark side of the Force to will KOTOR3 into existence.

[@JoshhReckless]

I honestly cried when you told us the message you recieved at the end. You are an inspiration to anyone wanting to create and craft

[@NatorDM]

I have legit watched this like 12 times and do not get sick of it. You are an amazing story teller!

[@helenscott8202]

How you had the courage or blindness to go back a third time to watch the carving is stunning. Obviously your thirst for carving is equivalent to that of a musician’s need to express music. Amazing story. Great credit to your tenacity. Every artist will tell you that practicing continually is needed, no matter your talent level. Thank you for the story. It is fascinating.

[@afterburner94]

Seriously Dave, your vid is so inspirational and motivational, especially the part about "the man in the mirror". I'm not kidding, this applies to all areas in life. Thanks for the lesson today, along with the incredible storytelling, as always! Best to you and your team in the aftermath of the typhoon!

[@natalieyork956]

Literally, the most interesting man in the world!

[@TheeLandstander]

Thank you so much for telling this wonderful story in such detail. Showing us your journal and photographs, these records of your personal life and journey is so generous and I cannot thank you enough for it. I still need that alphabet snake B-roll though!

[@seseragistudio]

I took it, but had nowhere to fit it in ... my gabbing just ran on so quickly to the next point ...

[@patavinity1262]

Really one of the best channels on KZbin. I very much admire your dedication to your craft.

[@Zamrazalnik]

I dont usually comment on any kind of videos, but your story is so interesting and the way you tell us about it is so passionate, that I cant keep myself from saying something. Id totally love to have something like Netflix making a documentary series about your life and work/art. That would be awesome.

[@JinkxSoldga]

Already out there. Look up "Art of the Game: Ukiyo-E Hero's" I dont think Dave is fully ... Satisified with it however he didnt have much say in its creation or contents.

[@jasonatwood7071]

I watch/listen to this story once a week. Very relaxing and interesting! I've made the two videos a playlist. Thank you for your stories!

[@archieternalis002]

I just recently discovered your channel while researching ukiyo-e prints for an assignment at my art school. Your story really inspires me to pursue woodblock printing. I never thought Japanese woodblock prints would capture my interest, but I have to say I am hooked. All credit goes to your videos and work. I would like to thank you for enriching my life with this beautiful craftmanship. I hope we will get to see lots more of these videos.

[@shizzlebizzfizz]

I dont think I have ever seen someone so driven and full of ambition in perusing what they love like David does. I would gladly give him my youth just so he could pursue this for mores years to come

[@titanic157]

I love how you're so honest about things! I really recognise never keeping at something for more than 15 minutes. I started lino cutting because of you! I really want to try getting some nicer paper and start selling prints! Thank you for these videos Dave! They're really inspiring!

[@tomgale4627]

I always listen to these to try to send me to sleep, but then I get so gripped and watch them to the end. Great storyteller!!

[@Scelous]

You're one of the best storytellers I've ever heard in my entire life. Could we hear the story about those 100 prints? The ten year run? I want to become a Patreon supporter for the stories alone, you're that good.

[@n.b.7994]

David, thanks for sharing these incredible stories. I could listen hours and hours you rambling around. I really enjoyed your story. Thanks again

[@vanessathenavigator]

The receipts, old prints, diary entries! What a lovely story! I can’t wait to visit you in May.

[@sittingstill3578]

Yes, around the world tickets still exist. My father used one just a few years ago. It was for work though. Great to hear more of your story. I hope I get to visit the shop again some time. I enjoyed getting to meet you last summer and see the new store layout. You have such a wonderful and gifted group of people.

[@andrewmcadam3357]

Thank you for taking the time to tell this story. I was particularly touched by your expression of the doubt you experienced before embarking on your ten year project. It's so common for us to look at successful people, people who have achieved great things or things we admire, and see only the success. It's a wonderful and inspiring side of your story which heightens and intensifies the joy of your successes. I hope to hear more about the project in the future! Please please ramble on!

[@BenPin]

Hi Dave, thank you for this very heart warming video. It took a lot of courage to leave your Canadian home behind to pursue your dreams, especially with two children depending on you. A lot of people would have settled at the 'shop' and forgot about their passions. The man in the mirror laid down some hard truths, but he also knew you would never give up your dream. Looking forward to visiting your store again some day.

[@adambradley4182]

I love these videos so much. After I watch them I always get the urge to book flights back to Japan and visit your workshop again. Thanks Dave.

[@clivedurrant481]

What a kind soul you are David,so generous with your experiences...thank you!

[@ernststravoblofeld]

So, you kind of invented Patreon.

[@liriosogno6762]

Thank you so much for sharing this with us. I really enjoy listening to you. I'm glad you added this one more thing at the end. Incredible.

[@jamescash8051]

Dave Bull is the Tom Brady of Japanese wood block printing.

[@MisterDutch93]

The passion of learning the craft from others and old woodblocks is very inspiring! You're a great example to many. As long as your heart lies in what you're doing, you can achieve greatness.

[@TheBlackbirdii]

man i could spend days and weeks listening to David and i never get fed up

[@Tigerbythetoe]

When a person can share his craft and communicate the passion and deep love of it the way you do Dave, anyone who listens, even one who has never touched the tools or sat at the bench, will be moved to an appreciation for the craft and the craftsman that is truly fascinating. I count myself among those people too, thank you for sharing your story and passion for your art.

[@ellasian]

This small series of videos were so fascinating and absorbing. You have a real skill for drawing the viewer in to the events. If you get the time, I think we would all love to hear about your 10 years making the 100 poets!

[@SFaPiL2]

A mesmerizing story. Thank you for sharing all your experiences with us. It may not mean much but, in an age where everyone's in a rush and believes that anything can be achieved and obtained quickly, it's good to be reminded that the meaningful and most satisfying projects take time, sacrifice, determination, and time. All the best to you, your family, and to whomever is brave enough to follow his or her passion.

[@michieldewit]

What a wonderful story that is. You are a marvelous story teller, David. Thank you very much!

[@kenkelly5848]

What a perfect start to a Sunday morning in Dublin. Truly inspirational.

[@kingyc8490]

Im 24 and now I want carve my first ever woodprint it's so intriguing and peaceful dave you seem like a guy full of wisdom and I honour your passion to learn and thrive well done mate love from UK 🇬🇧👍

[@brett3877]

The photograph at 33:00 is absolutely amazing!

[@LucasPreti]

it's so contrasty you could almost make a woodblock priOH MY GOD i have an idea

[@PraisingWithFriends]

Lucas Preti did you do it???!!!!

[@DrMillerfan]

As a current resident of Vancouver, you are a inspiration Dave.

[@GailitisPrintmaking]

Listening to Your story is like watching an Oscar nominated movie. I'm laughing, crying. Such an emotional roller coaster. Thank You David

[@GRAHAMESIMPSON]

So delightful and also moving - thank you so much for sharing of your life

[@GerikDT]

Absolutely wonderful and not to mention cozy to watch and listen to these videos. You have many talents, as we all know, and storytelling is certainly one of them. I could listen to this stuff for hours on end.

[@geoffreyblackmer]

I put this on while I am drawing. Inspirational and soothing.

[@cabbyhat22]

I absolutely love listening to your stories. This may be rambling to some, but I believe significantly more think of it as skillful storytelling. These videos in themselves are art. You are keeping humanities storytelling traditions alive. I am to hear more of these stories from you. Thank you for your block prints and all related endeavors like this.

[@akk709]

I almost fall asleep to the ASMR but what to watch how expressive and animated he is

[@ajcmando]

As an English teacher who is extremely passionate about the mandolin. It’s nice to see someone who made their dreams a reality. A tremendous amount of respect and admiration to you Dave. If you’ll excuse me, I got to go talk to the man in the mirror.

[@telegenicz]

David, this is amazing! You are absolutely an artist in printmaking and in your composition of stories. You grasped my attention so very well which is so very rare for me, at least thank you so so much for telling your stories and I'm waiting anxiously at the next video you post.

[@lekoman]

Dave, I've commented before on other videos, but I just want to swing by and say again how much I truly enjoy your channel. Your storytelling is wonderful, your videos are so calming, and you've lived such a fascinating life. Thanks, again, for sharing with us. I hope you, your team, and the shop have well-survived the typhoon. Be well!

[@andraslippai3169]

Thank you Dave for all the videos about the carvings, printings, desings, information and the small things around you in Japan. I really enjoy watching and learning and see the clips at the end of the videos where you shows everyday life and festivals. (my english is not perfect, sorry ) Greetings from Hungary. András

[@creepinwhileyousleepin]

really amazing story telling and recollection of events. you were destined to be successful at something, just on work ethic and mindset alone.

[@gregrice3867]

Thank you Mr. Bull. Your life and work and your sharing of it all are very inspirational, for many reasons. I hope to catch up on your whole story in coming days. 9-30-2021

[@deadpanman1649]

You always craft the best endings to your stories, Dave. Thanks for taking the time to tell them.

[@Filthyweeb39]

I got to work this morning and saw David posted a new video! Couldn't wait for evening to come so i can relax and listen to his story. Thank you David for such wonderful stories that have reached all of us here.

[@Winterlulz]

Your story is so inspiring. I find myself at a crossroads similar to when you arrived in Japan so please, keep talking! I'm trying to vacuum and glean as much as I can!

[@vashnator]

David I watched the Ukiyo-e Heroes documentary on a Singapore Airlines plane, coming back from Singapore into London last week and fell in love with both your creative process and your work as well as your partner's work. I've promised your shop will be a compulsory stop when I come to Japan soon... My wife also loves your content and your story telling! Our best wishes!

[@PaddyW130381]

Hopefully, you will do many more videos like this. I love to listen to you talk and tell tales of your life up to now. I have been engrossed in your videos for the past few weeks and I absolutely love them. Delighted I came across you!

[@WhamBamBoozler]

The journey you had to go from where you were to where you have ended up is amazing. I can't thank you enough for all the knowledge and time you put into these videos. It does not go unnoticed or unappreciated!

[@jessedavis5992]

I'm so glad I found your channel David, you're an amazing story teller and artist

[@xXRaziakXx]

Awesome addition to your channel, David! What a beautiful set of stories, and I appreciate you taking the time out to tell them! I can't wait for the day I can take a vacation to Japan and visit your shop!

[@lordvengerx]

This is amazing and very awesome. What's even more impressive is that David did this with the approach of Typhoon Jebi. That's bad ass and impressive. Dave is 🐐

[@redpianominiatures]

Wow, this couple of videos have been hugely inspirational Dave, I really appreciate you uploading them and I was really taken in by listening to your journey to becoming the creator you are today. Thank you

[@takezo7599]

I love your videos. Helps calm me in bad times. Thank you for everything you do David!

[@Thinqb]

Wow....thank you David! I just saw why the universe sent your wonderful videos to me. I needed to hear that, thank you thank you, thank you!!!

[@ZeuslightArt]

Thanks for letting me stop by plus loved the fact your new tools came in and had a chance to learn how they work. Really love your work!

[@mononoke721]

You're origin story is quite the inspiring tale for all us aspiring artists and craftsmen and whatnot. It's clear that your hard work and perseverance (and no short amount of developing skill) is what really saw you through and it's these sort of qualities which separate the wheat from the chaff as it where. I myself am at that similar period in life which you described, where I continue to flit between various ideas and projects, but have so far not settled on a solid direction in life. You're tale is a good example to keep in mind. Thank you for sharing it in such vivid detail and in the third-person! I would very much like to hear the tale of your 10-year project - a feat that is no doubt as daunting and impressive as it sounds.

[@wwelss]

You're an incredible story teller and wonderfully inspiring! I could listen to you talk about your life and your passion for days on end.

[@janverhave]

I am mainly scanning KZbin for thermodynamics and quantum mechanics related topics. For unknown reason I stumbled across your stories and find them very enchanting. I guess we all feel as if we are personally addressed....it's magic.

[@glaucorocha1281]

I would pay some serious money to see a Studio Ghibli's rendition of your stories, David. God bless you.

[@alienfast]

At about the 20:12 mark, David sells himself short. Here's why: I happened upon this channel by looking for ASMR voice content. Not Japanese woodblock printing. David's relaxing voice got my attention - but it's his story and art that has kept it. I've watched ten or so of these videos. David, you ARE an artist. You are so into your art, that it's pretty motivational. I'm becoming interested in this kind of thing, though from the design standpoint as opposed to the carving. I find it all deeply interesting, but I'd just be no good at carving.

[@TannerSidetrax]

You have so many amazing stories to tell, your life has been so interesting! Please keep making these videos! Cheers from Stratford, Ontario, Canada!

[@Northcountry1926]

🇨🇦🇯🇵

[@theden0minat0r]

Thank you so much for your stories, Dave. You have a magical talent, and an amazing voice.

[@TommyEfreeti]

A great story of how to deal with rejection! Brass balls, indeed, hahah. I love how much of your history you've kept over the years, and how incidentally you end up archiving this time-capsule of the events swirling around you.

[@tonywatson987]

Thank you for sharing you life story with us, Dave-san. When you held up the print of the Emperor, then you mentioned the Hyakunin Isshu... and it clicked, as I'd recently bought a vintage set of the 100 Poets card game in that same style. The story of the baren brought a lump to my throat - vindication after all those years! More like this, please!

[@tonywatson987]

Yes, from eBay, but it was a year ago and a ridiculously low Buy it Now.

[@iSailorBoat]

I love your story telling! Thank you so much David. I'd love to see the next video being on the 10 year 100 poets series!

[@B33rsauce]

Please show your 10 years story!

[@angusmacrae7488]

Very inspiring story David thank u for taking the time to share with us . I look forward to meany more Of your stores

[@philbivins7133]

I love this story...looking forward to the next one...thank you David

[@Collectorcove93]

Would love to see a part 3!

[@Nihilvidz]

I wish I had a teacher as passionate about his subject as you are. This is amazing

[@Bassman101B]

Awesome stuff David.....you have sparked my interest in Woodblock printing now.

[@princesshyrule]

That was a wonderfully inspiring story! I've been having struggles as an artist lately, and inspiration is just what I needed.

[@jordangroff8978]

Again, I got my paycheck today (just like the last vid) but this is the highlight of my Tuesday, thanks Dave!!!

[@awheywithmiso]

Dave just wanted to say thank you so much for your videos. You probably (almost definitely) don't remember me but we met last December at your workshop (you may remember the cute brunette I was with, she was way out of my league 😂😂), anyways I'm going to be Tokyo in a couple of week and will be stopping by. Hope you'll be around to have a quick chat (although no cute brunette this time ). Anyways thanks for your hard work in making these videos, especially knowing how busy your workshop schedule is.

[@tomjardine-smith2793]

Back in 2021 to watch this again. 8:24 - "they're still no good..." gets me everytime. 😅

[@bikerianm]

not only is it amazing that he still has every reference to his life story every receipt and diary. whats more amazing is the diaries . notes of where when and how much !!

[@weightliftingwhisper]

Loved learning about this! You are a great storyteller and perfect for my unintentional asmr. Thanks for the all the good work!

[@MrRemorseless]

A truly inspiring businessman. Thank you for your stories, Dave!

[@GilbertTang]

You broke me. My goodness, I cannot thank you enough for the inspiration. I will make it a life goal to visit your shop someday.

[@legendrebernard2549]

Such a great and human story of Art !!! Merci pour partager vos souvenirs de vie dédiés à la gravure . C 'est un ardent voyage dans la pratique de la beauté gravée.

[@dejaleona]

Incredible story, Dave! Please keep this series going - it is both inspirational and interesting. Your first few prints are so cool to compare to your prints of recent years:) Thanks for this video!