Beginnings (part 2)

This is the second in a two-part set covering Dave's early beginnings in woodblock printmaking, and focusses on his interactions with Mr. Isamu Adachi, the operator of one of Tokyo's most respected traditional print publishing houses.

Dave's personal website (kind of old-fashioned) is at:

His newer work with the Mokuhankan venture is at:

The famous Ukiyo-e Heroes prints can be seen here:

Dave streams many days each week over on Twitch:

... and there is a Patreon page at:

Thanks for watching!

[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.

[thomasm]

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!

[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.

[JELLYSKA]

This is the most wholesome channel in the history of Youtube. 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.

[BladefEvilsBane]

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.

[natalieyork]

Literally, the most interesting man in the world!

[kmg]

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

[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.

[ude]

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

[joaopiva]

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.

[Not_Lenny]

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

[jurgenludwig]

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!

[afterburner]

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!

[_chary]

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

[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

[patavinity]

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

[NatorDM]

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