David's Choice - Episode #11

[@AustinLeeds]

David, if everyone could be as passionate about their chosen field or interest as you are about yours, this world would be a far better place.

[@motto25]

to me that is the whole challenge of life, to first uncover that passion and then to realize its use in the world around you so that you leave it better than you found it.

[@ThePlacehole]

Nah, life is about contrast. If everyone were exceptionally passionate, no one would be. Thankfully, THIS exception runs a KZbin channel. :)

[@motto25]

@@ThePlacehole that's probably just your urge to sand out and feel different speaking. Who cares if one persons more passionate than the next, so long as they're giving it their best. I think you're taking another common phrase and inserting "passionate" in place. If more people followed this guideline we would live in a much better place regardless of where you think you stand within that structure.

[@ThePlacehole]

@@motto25 no, in fact I feel like that's quite a cliché I'm parroting. Otherwise by that logic, everyone living x1000 years ago would have to be constantly miserable. Are richer people always happier, are sicker people always sadder? No. But GETTING suddenly sick, or rich, that's a different story. Similarly its why losing someone is much worse than never meeting them. That is why I'm saying life is all about what could be, not about what IS. That's not controversial, it's it?

[@motto25]

@@ThePlacehole Mhm I totally get the whole yin and yang/contrast/ups and downs/variety is the spice of life thing. Im JUST saying people shouldn't give up as easily on their passions. Even if it means slowly discovering/perusing them while working a meaningless 9-5. I would venture to say it would make the world a richer place. That's not controversial, it's it?

[@michaelburge7279]

Dave - "we can't go through all 55 prints in detail" Me - "that's EXACTLY what I want"

[@lukemusgrove3441]

Totally agree, “please god do them all” 🙏 lol

[@gordonclaydon6239]

I would pay for this

[@desktopturtle5785]

@@gordonclaydon6239 So would I!

[@lackynguyen8351]

Well, but I'm sure that a David does not have enough time for such an series. He has a business to run afet all

[@UkuleleVillain]

yes please

[@superduperwiiuowner]

This is as close to perfect as a youtube video can get, The educational aspects, The history, the beautiful artwork. What a perfect afternoon this has been, Thank you Dave Bull.

[@s_patzz8212]

Me in 2019, "why would i possibly want to watch videos about woodblock carving in Japan"... Me now, " Nah mate, i'm staying in tonight, should be a new 'David's Choice' video on KZbin."... Wonderful art and a fantastic presentation from your good self as always David, many thanks!

[@TennesseeBlink]

I love everything about this. The story of getting to walk on the old Tōkaidō gave me goosebumps.

[@adamwest8711]

I could have quite happily sat here and watched you go through every one of the prints in that store. Thanks for sharing this Dave. Incredible stuff and a welcome addition to this fascinating series.

[@MeanderingSlacker]

I feel like they function like postcards, t shirts, signs, posters, badges, and trading cards at a gift shop. A lot of US National park merch, is probably an analog. They feel like tourist, traveler, and collector merch. It's evidence that someone went on the travel or a memory from the travel. There's also escapism in it of course. Honestly, if you look at all the ideas that have come out of Japan in terms of art and products, wood blocks definitely feel like a major stepping stone.

[@nahuelleiva8460]

I'm simply impressed with the amount of knowledge this man has about Japanese art and history. It's amazing. I would love to have that knowledge about History in general.

[@AaronWood]

I love the board game "Tokaido," in which you play a traveler passing along this same route. Thank you for a look into the background and lore and the associated art with that time period. I'll definitely have a better understanding the next time I play!

[@colinbrightwell4544]

Grading papers and I see a new David's Choice. Sorry kiddos, your grades gotta wait. Good to see David again!

[@BL00DSTAINGL0RY]

Finally David has come back to youtube.

[@adamwest8711]

He’s uploaded some streams on acolytes of the baren. It’s obviously not quite the same as watching it live but it’s still interesting. You even see his home. That’s right, he isn’t at the shop 365 days of the year!

[@305NYU]

The Brahma Bull

[@John_Notmylastname]

He also streams on Twitch. Under the name Japanese Printmaking. It’s really interesting as you can watch him carve live.

[@1997AlexB]

@@adamwest8711 He is there 365 days a year. He only goes home one day when its a leap year

[@Breiitz]

34:42 "We tend to start flipping through, without looking at them carefully". What a precise moment to say that. The print he's flipping through is the one where he pointed out to have a mistake (the white block), and it appears the smaller reprint missed that or chose to fix it.

[@Soulessdeeds]

@10:48 You know someone passionately loves their work when you see them talk about history like this lol. David never change my man. Never change.

[@boomanly]

An hour long Dave's Choice.... wow.... can't wait to get through this one! Cheers Dave!

[@brianmclaughlin470]

Ml kk mj

[@charlesedwards2856]

As a history teacher, I often struggle to get my students to understand that these people existed, thrived, struggled, lived and loved, and passed onto their children the history they experienced. The people in those prints gave their everything for their descendants to get here today. As a famous quote from the movie “Amistad” goes, ”I meant my ancestors. I will call into the past...and they must come, for at this moment, I am the whole reason they existed at all.” I don’t know if ghosts exist, but if they did, then you were definitely surrounded by them that evening, in a good way. The connection you felt is something I hope my students can have even once in their lives. It is something I had the day I set foot in Diocletian’s Palace in Croatia and stepped on stones about 2,000 years old.

[@adamwest8711]

I felt the same way stepping onto the circus maximus. It’s not a lot to look at these days but I felt I could almost feel the crowd around me.

[@b_aleman]

David!!! My buddy! Missed you dude!

[@threeoutchange669]

Goddamn you half japanese girls

[@Kintaec]

I could honestly sit and watch this kind of content absolutely forever! The way you bring life to the prints, with all the people that have been involved with the processes, objects, places over the centuries is just so engaging and wonderful! We miss this so much in the current age, where we just consume, consume, consume, and rarely stop to look. Thank you so much Dave - may you make many, many more such David's choice episodes! There'll certainly be an eager audience for them! ;)

[@lukemusgrove3441]

Couldn’t agree more 👍

[@Dom21221]

Same here 100%

[@SubstanceASMR]

David and his channel are a welcome moment of respite from the insanity of this world. Thank you David and keep it up you're doing great!!!

[@joacoosi]

That's exactly what I was thinking! it's like a safe calm place to come and enjoy the simple beauty of life.

[@adamwest8711]

The power of a brush!

[@playsauce]

Sanity returns November 3rd. Vote!

[@pladmitry]

@@playsauce Not everyone is american, you know

[@newintellectual.]

I love you, Mr. Bull. Your passion, hard work, and determination are an inspiration for me. Keep spreading knowledge and awesomeness of your work.

[@nickwright7828]

David Bull “we can do this all day” Me: clears my entire schedule to do this all day

[@KukiolStuff]

I just recently discovered this channel, and the thing that brings the most joy to me, is to listen to David talking about things he loves. He made this a great experience, like listering a good friend talking about something he is passionate about!

[@Survivalisto]

Most people would split this into 10 seperate 12m episodes, each with a 30s intro, 1m promoting patreon, 1m promo for Ridge Wallet or RAID, and an outro with "Hey Guys, remember to CATCHPHRASE" But not Dave, 53m of uninterrupted content. Take some notes kiddos, this is how its done.

[@Greystorm1619]

What a great story David, I really loved hearing you talk so enthusiastically about this guy’s prints and seeing the real life inspirations of these prints. It’s so cool just imagining what a place was like hundreds of years ago.

[@matthewsawczyn6592]

Every few months I find myself coming back to this one. There's just something special about that last reflection

[@Engineer_MKII]

Dave Bull is the master of bait and switch. Baits us with ASMR and we end up leaving with a legit passion for woodblock printmaking and Japanese history...

[@zacharyavery6082]

David, 6 months ago I binged your series on the Great Wave. I needed a quarantine hobby, and so I got a book on wood carving from my local library. THANK YOU FOR BRINGING YOUR PASSION INTO THE LIVES OF STRANGERS You're a great guy! Keep up the good work!

[@monty156]

Well, this has made my day!

[@RenagadeZZZ]

David we love each and every one of your narratives. These videos are priceless gems and I've enjoyed learning so much from each of them. Oh how I wish there would be more of them, but I can only assume they take a lot of time to put together and prep for. I will rewatch your older vids again and again. Keep up the good work.

[@west9641]

You can watch the vods of his streams too if you didn't know

[@cantranslate]

Wonderful chat. I was almost moved to tears by the last part of the story staying just beside of the old Tohaido road. Thank you so much for your amazing chat!

[@0The_Farlander0]

Rather than spoiling the prints for me, knowing there are errors in even such prestigious works is something powerfully reassuring.

[@aaaa6824]

Oh my, that snowy print of Kambara Station is stunning.

[@povilasm6010]

I have same one 😎😂

[@matthewsawczyn6592]

The band Weezer even used it for the cover of their second album, "Pinkerton"

[@strydyrhellzrydyr1345]

My god... That first one. You took out of that large set. SOOOOO beautiful

[@somewhereupthere785]

It just hit me. You are the Bob Ross of block printing.

[@robbieeason1898]

This was something special, akin to the men and women that trekked this road you took us on a journey through art and through time. Thank you for your passion David, it’s a joy every time I see you have posted. Love from Scotland.

[@StonyRC]

Classical art, brought to LIFE in a way that few are able to achieve. Thank you David, you are one in a billion!

[@ZeldaMasterBoss]

Absolutely lovely video! Made me not only want to buy a set of prints but also to go and visit some of the places in the Toukaidou route!! Thanks David

[@kojote]

I like that I also get history lessons with my ASMR 😉

[@RichMitch]

Check out The French Whisperer

[@FxMoto]

@@RichMitch this.

[@nothinglikeburntvag]

The problem with The French Whisperer is that I am too interested in what he’s saying to go to sleep! I have learned a lot about the cosmos from him though- he’s really good at making dense information accessible.

[@northwestadvrider5638]

What’s awesome about David is that he’s not even trying for the ASMR angle. He’s just so calm, with a gentle demeanor that it just happens!

[@mrbaker234]

I absolutely love David's choice! Can't wait for another one to come out!

[@johnmcbrosel4840]

I have NO idea how I got here, but I stayed for the haircut and enjoyed everything in this video. There is not a single boring second in this!

[@BMW-sd6nn]

I think this is my favorite David's Choice, just stunning stuff.

[@futuristica1710]

This is really interesting! I love your stories and explanations of this great artform! We are so spoiled! Thank you, David! Fun fact: the print at 37:37 was used as the cover for Weezer’s 1996 album “Pinkerton”.

[@soniya6908]

you're a natural-born srory teller! the hour just flew by! david's choice is my favorite feature!

[@joonasvareenmusiikki]

Always a pleasure to listen to you, mr. Bull. Greetings from Finland!

[@pragyamajumder1364]

I'm so thankful to have discovered your channel on a bank holiday eve in Delhi, it just made me immerse myself in completely in the charmed world of woodcut print and ukiyo-e. It's simply impossible for me to afford any such prints, and books will do just fine I guess, but your presentations make them so very special. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and the exceptional world of this mesmerizing art form.

[@quinsey9211]

David you are nothing short of a dear friend to me. Thank you for the wonderful insight and stories.

[@concentratedregret6394]

I started watching these videos when I was in university whilst I was working on some essay. After I graduated my father gave me what looks like the same collectors book of postcard prints by Takamizawa, now I can go through these prints alongside Dave and notice all these cool details.

[@AlgorithmMockery]

This mans enthusiasm is a breath of fresh air. Sincerely enjoy listening to him speak to his passion.

[@hank.hacking]

The publisher deciding not to alter an error in a piece from 100 years prior seems more of a historically preservative action than correcting it would be, and David's knowledge of the processes, old and new, provides a deeply emotional satisfaction derived from it. Anybody agree?

[@hsmxiang5337]

Ah seeing this in my notifications made my day way better.

[@johncecilia4517]

Great channel, very therapeutic

[@TheMadAfrican1]

This guy is the Bob Ross of Japanese Prints. Bless you, my friend.

[@n.b.7994]

Thanks, Dave, I could watch for hours. So fascinating.

[@lradmclovin9]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us, Dave

[@roblang100]

Hiroshige, Ieyasu, they are so real for me, almost living people. I discovered Hiroshige in the late '70s and bought a miniature Kanbara print that i still have. It changed my life and I have collected Hiroshige re prints ever since! I have visited Okitsu at least twice, visited Seikenji temple there where Ieyasu studied as a boy as a hostage to the Imagawa, history come to life! A very moving episode on woodblock prints, thank you!

[@florianb81]

I love the way you present the topic. Very concise and knowledgeable. Also it is clearly visible that this all is coming from your heart. Your passion shows. Thank you for sharing all this with us.

[@jevansiom1]

Literally been rewatching videos for months now a 1 hour video!? Today is a good day ☺️

[@pameladaley955]

Thank you so very much, David! What a thrilling journey.

[@ThoseWhoDare]

Everything becomes interesting when David starts to explain. And time flies ... 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@themagickalmagickman]

Today is going to be good

[@ljjlander1]

I say that every time a new video drops too lol

[@hkentw]

Sixty-some years ago, an innocent young sailor washed up on the shores of 1958 Japan, and fell under the spell. A treasured feature of that, remains Hiroshige’s Tokaido no goju san sugi. Now, these many years later, very late at night, in a land far from his memories, with tears in his eyes, an old man offers you eternal thanks. You have created a masterpiece of true storyteller’s art with great meaning for me.

[@sierrasanders1048]

I swear these videos give me true respite from my troubles. I don't know if I would have made it through these past two years if it weren't for the calm I found watching these. It's always a joyous occasion when there's a new David's Choice.

[@Narokkurai]

"...and I have a story..." Those must be the five sweetest words to hear from any elder.

[@ebenezer9072]

Nice to meet you elder one its been a while take care and hope to see you soon I thankyou for sharing part of your life and knowledge with us strangers. 2020 sure is full of *SURPRISES!* I like it.

[@Sailing_seel]

KZbin suggested this to me for seemingly no reason. I absolutely loved the video. This is wonderful. Thank you so much.

[@danielbwinters]

Dave, it was a wonderful experience listening to you talk through these prints and their history. Thank you for making this marvelous videos!

[@fogheta]

Man, these uploads are always something to look forward too, great work！

[@defreshh9961]

Such a huge fan. Was longing for another upload and here it is! 😃

[@Omnihil777]

When Dave rubs his hands it sounds exactly like 2 washi papers... you become what you do. Thank you for all these wonderful presentations.

[@A_Simple_Neurose]

To think that this sort of content is free is incredible. Thank you so much for this Mr. Bull, your narration and the enthusiasm with which you deliver these stories and anecdotes are absolutely fantastic and the reality and truthfullness that they exhude are unparalleled. The passion that you display is contagious. You're a national treasure, best of luck to you and I wish you good health.

[@bryanquick3349]

art history hour with gentle-voiced printmaker grandpa is a joy

[@jacksoncordray1593]

My thoughts exactly

[@kylo8805]

I was scrolling through my KZbin feed when I saw this video and the thumbnail caught my eye, my grandmother had that huge framed picture always hanging in her living room. Just very nostalgic.

[@WalrusRyder]

I think this is the best episode of David’s Choice yet!

[@josephs9341]

Nothing better than slipping away to a more peaceful time for an hour with David.

[@davidg6395]

My day started off well. *David uploads new video* And now it's a great day!

[@Filthyweeb39]

Im so happy to see you'r doing well David. I hope everyone else is too. I love your work and story telling and hope to see you continue the awesome work for years to come!

[@colonelrubix]

36:38 - that’s also known as the Weezer Pinkerton album cover

[@donosvann]

i thought only i noticed lmao

[@gabealegre6532]

Virgin moment

[@Goose_RL_]

Bro this guy knows whats up

[@nothingthatinteresting]

My first thought lol

[@Maketrainsgreatagain]

FINALLY! Dave these videos are not just a simple video, but are a public service to the preservation of a craft and art and the history is amazing especially since never had a connection to any of this before.

[@GlassesnMouthplates]

I got here to see what prints Dave have to show us today, became amazed by the wonderful works of Hiroshige, fascinated by how the print collections evolved through centuries and decades, amazed by the historical connection between real life and the art based on them, and finally enlightened by how art is basically the perfect way of preserving one's existence. I can't appreciate this wonderful series more.

[@tommc6815]

That was an amazing watch.. the power of a brush.. and the power of your story telling. Thank you for making the video!

[@ryanekats731]

David u r the reason why I love being an artist, and why I love artists. they are the most passionate and awesome people to listen to, I strive to be like you when I am older 🥺

[@studioROT]

Thank you so much, David, for your exquisite videos and this one in particular! I am a professional artist and was fortunate to have been trained as a ceramic painter with the famous Royal Delft studio in Holland more than forty ago. As you might know, Delft blue-and-white ceramics is deeply influenced by Japanese porcelain and ever since my years as an apprentice painter there I have developed a love for Japanese art and in particular Ukiyo-e. Now, as an illustrator and cartoonist, I find myself often influenced by Hiroshige, Hokusai, Hasui, et al. Watching this video and listening to your interesting commentary and stories makes me feel at home - the pleasure of listening to a fellow artist with a passionate knowledge in his field (and certainly vastly more knowledge than I have on the subject), is a delight. Thank you very much!

[@Pipsqwak]

You are a consummate narrator and storyteller! I could listen to you talk about these masterpiece prints, their settings and history, all day. Thank you for this!

[@Zades145]

A new David's Choice? Today is a good day!

[@angelobortolini]

hands down the best channel on youtube thank you so much for sharing these stories!

[@cromotocciano]

The story about the hotel with the old road brought me unexpected joy. Thank you for sharing.

[@ryanfernandes1592]

These videos are so insanely good. I went from knowing a tiny bit about the Great Wave and nothing else to a big fan through just the sheer passion, knowledge, and excitement you bring. Never change and never stop

[@vanessathenavigator]

Oh my goodness. This was the best video. Hearing about what the prints can tell us about the history of these locations was so interesting and fantastic and made my day. Thank you David!

[@Dom21221]

This is so good to watch in the world we life in right now. Can’t thank you enough Dave.

[@lukeconner127]

Good to see you again Dave! Every new video is a treat to watch.

[@macklee6837]

Good to see you back, Dave! Missed you 🤗

[@jimpennock7622]

This is my favorite series of ukiyoe it's what got me interested when I visited Japan. Thank you.

[@MrKudos1992]

Fantastic stuff. Your videos are always great, but this one was especially interesting and enjoyable. You manage to weave in all the various topics very naturally and talk about it all in such a captivating way. Thank you for sharing your time, knowledge and experiences with us all, and long may these videos continue.

[@moneymkm]

You're the best Dave! Thanks for your time and energy 🙏🏽☯️🙂

[@Artractive_]

My fave video you’ve ever made! it’s so cool

[@dinkaboutit4228]

I love this video series so much. Just my favorite thing on KZbin. Thank you, Mr. David! I hope you and your family and your business and employees are all making it through this period unscathed.

[@thomasm6733]

Perfectly woven together to present fascinating prints and their equally fascinating story, ending on a beautiful note. One of my favourite videos and one of your best created. Thank you

[@stephenfgates]

This video was worth the months we spent waiting for it. i dont know how much time Dave put into planning it but it feels very well thought out and it flows perfectly and still packed with wonderful information!

[@09philipr]

A beautiful essay on a subject for which I am developing a passion -many thanks!

[@StephenWorth]

I founded a non-profit arts organization to help young artists to think like an artist, not just train for a job in art. I see everything that I aspire to do in this video. It's inspiring. Thank you.

[@protopigeon]

Utterly fascinating. David's enthusiasm is infectious!

[@WyattGodfrey]

I have never became so entranced by someone on a first glace. Just like how the wood prints are meant to convey the feeling of what it felt to exist within the artwork, just from your appearance alone, I'm struck with an instant reverence for an artwork I've known of for less then 7 minutes. Your workspace alone is tidy and neat, a perfect backdrop to talk about your passion! I can't wait to see what you upload next.

[@ronanmcelhinney159]

Fantastic video David very grateful for your passion on the subject very inspiring thank you for taking the time to make it