David's Choice - Episode #4

[@jamiemoore2550]

His enthusiasm is so infectious...

[@dereknewton5301]

This video has me re-evaluating my life. I wish I could be as passionate about ANYTHING the way David is passionate toward carving and printing.

[@DrWhom]

For most men it is, I quote a top US general, jerking off and eating chicken.

[@nielsunger9942]

My great grandparents would be very happy with your video David, thank you.

[@seseragistudio]

Wait? What? Alfred was your relative? Do you have any other information about him (and his business) that you can share with us?

[@nielsunger9942]

@@seseragistudio Yes Mary and Alfred are my great grandparents. I am sure my father (also Alfred) will have something

[@seseragistudio]

Well, if you are interested, and have interesting history to share, I would love to include such information over here, in our online Collection pages for that book: mokuhankan.com/collection/index.php?id_for_display=00086

[@ThatOneDudeNick]

I know nothing about woodblock printing, but these videos are fascinating. I appreciate the enthusiasm. I hope to learn something from this channel.

[@SparkyNarwhal]

Epic Milk I know what you mean, I don't think I'll ever get into print making but this channel inspires me to put 100% into all I do and to be proud of my work. Great work too!

[@Leadfoot_P71]

Agreed! And it also goes to show that if you love your work or hobby, and you can talk about it with such joy and passion, it makes it interesting for other people, who might not be the slightest interested in that topic from the beginning.

[@projekt6_official]

Watch the rest of the videos, they're amazing! Don't remember how I stumbled onto this channel, but I'm here to stay.

[@BillyOnyx]

I'm just some random dude from the UK who knew nothing about and no interest in pursuing Japanese woodblock prints but after about 20 videos in I'm hooked. I just happened to stumble across these videos but Dave is a master story teller and by God he knows how to keep the viewer interested to the end.

[@Pegar]

For those who are curious: WolframAlpha says $2.50 in 1906 is equivalent to ~$70 today.

[@Eshiay]

Uku Sibul You would have to get old money since they would otherwise be seen as counterfeit (since those bill wouldn't have been made yet).

[@notsogreatsword1607]

Yeah and this book is quite a bit more expensive now. I WANT IT

[@adamwest8711]

Still a bargain!

[@DrWhom]

A dollar in 1820 is like 30 dollars today, still the price of a buck skin

[@PriestPhotios]

Your enthusiasm and love for your work is inspiring, sir. You are definitely an ascetic in that sense.

[@MusicbyWordPlay]

I believe the word you're going for is an aesthete. He is a purveyor of the aesthetics of woodblock printing.

[@vandalion]

It's gotten to the point where I click like on David's videos before even watching them. No regrets.

[@projekt6_official]

+1.

[@sofiapagen]

David Bull reminds me of a woodblock Bob Ross

[@knartfocker_]

He is Dave Bull, not Bob Ross.

[@sofiapagen]

Oh, the title says "David".

[@senrunethirteen3941]

Shortening a name like David to Dave sounds more personal so that might just be how he introduces himself.

[@cionm7077]

so annoying.

[@randy7068]

You mean a hobo Bob Ross.

[@idesofmars]

i love listening to this guy talk. its always fascinating and very relaxing

[@adamwest8711]

idesofmars - I’ve lost count of how many times I fell asleep listening to his videos.

[@sexydrumcheese69]

I've called myself a print maker for the last 13 years, but looking at the artists on this channel makes me feel like an absolute barbarian. The skill level presented is absolutely astounding. GOTTDAMN MANG.

[@markdaywaltjr.5707]

Ever since the very recent release of the latest edition in this series, I have found myself going back and re-watching all of the "David's Choice" videos. I have to admit that as much as I do enjoy many of David's videos, these are by far my most favorite to watch! So much information, so much passion, so much honest and free sharing! More please!

[@Leonderayas]

As an editorial designer with a love for bookbinding and woodcut printing i have to say that the textured book cover just blew my mind. This is a whole different level! Thank you for sharing such a beautiful treasure!

[@Danmoorevt]

David Bull is absolutely Bob Ross in 2018. Both are fantastic teachers, I love Dave’s enthusiasm and historical knowledge. I feel that in a few years, this channel is going to be HUGE.

[@adamwest8711]

It hasn’t happened although 100k+ isn’t a small channel by any reasonable measure. I think it’s because he doesn’t monetise the videos so the algorithm ignores the channel. Plus he uploads irregularly which isn’t KZbin friendly. I love it though and look forward to every upload and catch the twitch streams when I can.

[@vxrdrummer]

I watched a video about woodblock carving once before and was bored stupid. However, now thanks to Dave being a great presenter and also by his enthusiasm and love of what he does, I am well into it! I watch at least one video every night! When I run out I'll just start again!

[@CT-2601]

I love when he gets excited! :D

[@adamwest8711]

I love this one. I’ve watched them all but this one probably dozens of times. He’s patient zero for infectious enthusiasm.

[@BigFungus19]

Seeing your passion on these videos inspires me on a daily basis and for that I thank you

[@BuftyFufties]

After 7 years I wanted to like the video again

[@mbaxter22]

David I would love to hear your story; maybe one day you can do a video about your background. I'd be very curious to hear how you ended up doing what you do, and how you made Japan your home.

[@Leadfoot_P71]

Yes

[@projekt6_official]

Check his earlier videos - he touches on some of his history.

[@lisagrantomd9877]

I love his impish looks as he's about to let us in on printmaker's secrets/sly moves. David loves prints and the art of printmaking, it's a joy to watch these videos!

[@Berliozboy]

This video is a pure delight. Love seeing your subscription numbers shooting up by the week. Such admiration for you and your team

[@luckyKM741]

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with us. Im grateful for your valuable insight. I have enjoyed your videos very much :)

[@Melancthon7332]

Even the typesetting is subordinate to the importance of appropriate negative space. What a beautiful book.

[@unbelievablesuccess]

Perfect way to end my day, thanks David!

[@roblochon]

Such a beautiful book. I'm envious!

[@Ak-xq6gb]

I came to your videos as potentional ukiyo-e fan and leave as pretty much decent art critic, your analysis is soooo detailed... thank you for this!

[@yaronimus1]

this is amazing, such artistry and craft. and the little sakura flower is really modern - a clean graphic icon.

[@BastienRobilliard]

Thank you so much David. Fascinating as always...

[@krazier15]

I don't know much about woodblock prints, but you are just too compelling of a host to not be entertained. Keep these videos coming. They're awesome

[@jrlakin370]

David your passion is inspiring and your presentation is wonderful. And don’t get me started on your skills! Respect sir 👍😎

[@ArtimusFreeman]

Thank you David for these videos. They are really amazing and fascinating!

[@Drakub]

Amazing work, Dave. These videos are intensely fascinating. Looking forward to the next one!

[@Macbrand]

Thanks David. Really enjoying your videos.

[@bassface8580]

Dude I love Bob Ross for his skill and relaxing videos.. You are deffinatly getting me interested in this craft. You have such good knowledge and skill and a relaxing voice to explain it. Subscribed today

[@prizm2807]

My only fear is when I run out of backlogged videos our yours i haven't seen yet. Every video notification is like a little birthday gift every time they appear

[@tauceti8341]

8:29 Priceless history, and I'm so happy to see your enthusiasm. :~)

[@CGEarts]

All your videos are great, thank you

[@thesecretthirdthing]

Thank you for this. Such a treat.

[@franksijbenga3724]

And good evening to you too, Dave!

[@3arendel]

Thank you for another video! Very interesting as always

[@DavidEFGonzalez]

Awesome video David. Especially the map part.

[@dylancossey2882]

Dear David, i discovered your channel not too long ago and i fell in love with your videos and i love the stories also you are very energetic and comical

[@hdjdjdjdjs272]

You have the most wonderful way of explaining things you're passionate about. Have you ever taught classes? You would be a brilliant professor.

[@Marmamartha]

This is the best one from davids choice

[@mikecouchman5888]

Dave I think this is my favorite video. You seem so jazzed up about it. You are so very good at explaining things. Wish I could get a proper copy. Mike Couchman Carrollton, Texas

[@thomaseaton274]

awww look at the boomer guys!

[@JapaneseModernist]

Great video! Keep them coming!

[@GraniteValleyDave]

I managed to find a website selling two copies of the book, one is an ex-library "good+" condition Third Edition, the other is a privately owned "very good" condition Fourth Edition. They're asking $150 for the Third Edition and $175 for the Fourth (both before shipping). Sounds pretty reasonable to me, but a bit out of my price range unfortunately.

[@lethalnl]

very interesting, and such a mix of businesses and nationalities back then

[@spaceyoyo6721]

Exciting, as previous videos !

[@RikerLovesWorf]

Awesome video as always!

[@Dgc2003]

Regarding the plum blossom chutes: With a piece like that, so much white space, I think it's natural to fill in the reasoning around what we see. For example I might imagine part of the tree may be obstructed from the morning sun during start of the growth season. These chutes reach out horizontally since they're exposed to the sunlight earlier in that direction. (or we can just rotate it and call it a day ;) )

[@jamesb3rg13]

I've studied a little bit of letterpress printing over the years and feel I can add, perhaps, one note to the conversation. By today's standards, the impressions that are made by letterpresses are considered a hallmark of the craft, but that is not the case for older work. A true letterpress craftsman from the past worked hard to eliminate the press' impression as much as possible (except when an embossment was clearly wanted). All that being said, if it were me, I would have produced the English text first, since spoiling the work of the woodblock printing is a much bigger loss than the other way around.

[@b_aleman]

Dave, I will give you $5 USD for the book. That doubles your money and is a pretty good deal, right? haha! Thank you for taking the time to share this with us.

[@TheStageClear]

i love to listen to your stories, great video as always! I'm living in the city where Gutenberg developed the "modern" letter-printing , so its really nice to see how other cultures had their own kind of printing. I wonder how long it took for this technology to spread from Germany all the way to Japan and what the people thought of it.

[@aaron2709]

Thanks David.

[@richardkoeknyc]

We need more Bulls in these uncertain times...

[@8pipis]

I love these videos so muck

[@iangillham9647]

Beautiful

[@randomstuff5658]

Asmr brought me here and im intrested in this now lol

[@adamwest8711]

I came here because of comments on a Peter Draws video and I’ve stayed ever since.

[@sam___seed]

If possible please do more of these

[@simonettahelena986]

Perhaps there is a chance for a rebirth of such exquisite books and book art. Create a limited edition of,say, 100-200 such books that are signed and numbered. Have an exhibit, call the art section of news media and/ or magazines. Donate a few to auctions for raising money for charities, donate some to museums, sell some to rich collectors. Then, have a publishing house create a less costly, mass produced edition. If the quality is there, interest will be there…even if it doesn’t happen overnight.

[@bravhart9212]

I'm not sure, but I think they flattened the paper with a blank woodblock after the typing press; but if it's there needs to be an embossing (sorry if I misspelt that), then they didn't flatten the paper because it would prevent embossing. I think? P.S. Or they carved out all the lettering with on a keyblock?

[@ethan37066]

I love your passion, you are the woodblock print otaku

[@Kyntteri]

You could probably get away with presenting a common phonebook and I would still follow this through.

[@Radditz770]

My guess is that, maybe, the deciding factor on whether they would print the lettering first, or the wood block prints first, was the layout of the page. I noticed that the pages shown in the book, where there was no formatting on the text (As in the table of contents or the example you gave in the book with a good bite of letter press) the letter pressing were quite visible. On the other hand, for those pages where the text had to give way to the image (Such as the vanishing village, or the image with the map), the indents from the letters are not there. So I am guessing that depending on whether the image would displace the text in some way, was at least part of the deciding factor on whether or not they would print the text, or the wood block print first. Also, as a fun fact about the price of the book: If you looked at how inflation has developed, 2.50usd in 1906 would be worth around 68usd today. And if you would buy something that is worth 2.50usd today, back in 1906 it'd cost you a mere 9 cents.

[@thesecretsymbol]

Been enjoying your videos over the past few days. Just happened to stumble on them. Know little to nothing about your craft but I've become more and more interested. I'm an artist and graphic designer & can truly appreciate the work that goes into both the designs & printing. It's been giving me a lot of ideas artistically watching these. How do artists typically decide on designs & colors for the prints without over complicating things for the printing? Seems like an artist would have to have a good grasp on what does & doesn't work as well as simplifying design/color choice. I'd love to learn more about that aspect & how artists/printers work together.

[@seseragistudio]

The issues you are describing are all part of the publisher's work. The designers and printers would never have been in the same room ... Of course over time the designer would come to learn just what the manufacturing team needed in order to do their work effectively, and the better designers would create images that best fit this pattern - always guided and controlled by the publisher.

[@thesecretsymbol]

David Bull is there a sort of set of guidelines for artists on how to create art that isn't over complicated or has too many colors etc? Find it perplexing the artists wouldn't end up creating things that were overly complex or a pain in the butt to print without talking to carvers/printers. Guess it was the publishers role to set up guidelines for a project is what you are saying.

[@seseragistudio]

Well remember that in the old days, there was a completely established system for doing all this. Designers learned their craft in the 'studios' of experienced men, and as a matter of course, learned the ropes that way. When a publisher came to them with a particular job in mind, they knew from their experience what was needed. Nobody was 'starting from scratch', as it were ...

[@thesecretsymbol]

Thank you for the responses! Very true & since no alternatives for printing then guess you would train artistically very specifically for that reason alone. Seems sort of strangely liberating to me to think about some of the restrictions required and how it could be beneficial in some ways...but maybe aggravating in others...Sort of reminds me of restrictions for making art for early video games. Your prints are all so wonderfully crafted. Thanks for taking the time to make these videos & sharing this wonderful craft!

[@BastienRobilliard]

Hi David, It's been 3 weeks since the last video. Is everything Ok at mokuhankan ? We are all waiting for your next episode !

[@seseragistudio]

It's 'in the camera' now ... I'll try and get to the editing as soon as I can ... (We have two TV crews coming here over the next few days, and _tons_ of Party reservations, so it's a bit of a scramble for me right now ...)

[@NPnathan7]

This would be cool to see recreated!

[@DrWhom]

Thank you for pronouncing preface as prefiss. I thought I was the only one, people always look funny.

[@Uchiha-fi4ij]

Is it just me or does he sound kind of like James Arnold Taylor?

[@withastone]

Was this catalogue truly printed for commercial reasons only? Was the high-art values almost accidental? I don't quite understand.

[@asmrrealbeardsantajapan.4911]

There is a nother David in our area called David

[@Leadfoot_P71]

Wow, that's so weird! In our area David is called Steve.

[@PraisingWithFriends]

The one here is called Bruce.

[@movementinok]

When can we expect "David's Choice Episode #5"???

[@seseragistudio]

At the moment - in this insanely busy autumn season - I'm paddling as hard as I can to keep my nose above water ... Please hold tight; it shouldn't be too long now!

[@Xandawesome]

4:29 Hey, that print is not garbage!

[@dervakommtvonhinten517]

whenever i watch david i realise how superficial i am. he can take so much joy out of something simple like an old book, and recognizes amazing things that others dont even see....

[@NickHumphries-ey5vm]

Well, I've just found the 2nd edition on Abe's Books. £1791!

[@JoePani1]

You changed your photo?

[@anml1969]

The imbalance that made it possible before will hopefully be offset by an inverse imbalance from those of us who value what you and some others are doing to keep this art alive now.

[@Omnihil777]

Inflation calculator says that 2.50 USD in 1906 are today 71 USD, don't know about that good of a bargain, I'd buy it anyway...

[@johnerickson8160]

5:12 BENIS

[@projekt6_official]

Hey David, I did a bit of digging on the title page oddity. I believe this may be the first edition title page (only because it doesn't say any edition on it), but unfortunately, it doesn't match with the ghost rubbings on your edition: www.baxleystamps.com/litho/hasegawa/1935150317_tp-1.jpg.

[@projekt6_official]

Also, you can try holding that page up to the light to see if it helps make anything else on the page show up.

[@projekt6_official]

Also-also, I believe the words just over "SECOND EDITION" may be "ILLUSTRATED & PUBLISHED"

[@seseragistudio]

That can't be the 1st edition, because the Hasegawa Company moved to the Kami Negishi address in 1911 ... So maybe my speculation is OK ... we'll see someday, as more copies come to light. Thanks for the interest!

[@cloneskiller]

私は猫が大好きです (=^･ｪ･^=))ﾉ彡☆

[@kennethdelatorre7046]

2.50 = about $70

[@kylegreiwe9094]

Tokin daily grandpa

[@askapk]

Sideways orientation!?!! I want a refund.

[@jamescash8051]

If your face was good at Japanese wood block printing, you would see dave bull in the mirror

[@petea2485]

Budgy head

[@zogzog1063]

Oh c'mon ... what is this? KZbins ugliest hair competition?