Misty day in Nikko - 1. carving the key block

Reproducing ‘Misty day in Nikko’ by Hiroshi Yoshida.

For part 2 and 3 please follow these links

Misty day in Nikko - 2. colour building

Misty day at Nikko - 3. a print is born

My name is Taran Casey and I am an apprentice Japanese woodblock carver under master carver Asaka Motoharu of Takumi Hanga.
This video is documenting the production of a project I am working on for Mokuhankan reproducing this stunning shin hanga design by Yoshida Hiroshi.
In this videos we will look at the up close carving of the key block for this print. I talk about techniques I employ, as taught to me in the traditional system, some talks about the print and it’s history as well as some rambling thoughts I have had during the production of this block.
Subsequent videos in the series will be about colour blocks and printing. Please be patient while I work on finishing this project, I’ll get the next video out as soon as I can.

Once the project is completed this print will be available to buy on the Mokuhankan we site. I will post a link when it’s up for sale.

I hope you enjoy, its my first videos and I’m still not confident in my filmmaking and even less so I’m my voice but we all have to start somewhere.

Happy making everyone.

#mokuhanga #making #woodblock #woodblockprint #japanesecraft #japaneseart #shinhanga #ukiyoe

[seseragistudio]

Taran-san, wonderful video! So much information! It's not that I was in any doubt that you would be able to get this print made for us, but having seen this, I think it is clear that it is going to be a very special production.

And old Yoshida-san would be very pleased to see the care and attention going into your work ... It's going to be so cool to have this print available again!

[meredithburke]

This is so awesome. I am so glad I found your corner of the internet. You have a quiet mastery, and the way that you’ve edited it and provided commentary is super helpful for another artist. you’re not trumpeting your accomplishments, but you’re accomplishments are speaking for themselves. It’s just refreshing and so fun to watch. Can’t wait for other videos of your channel!

[Vee_of_the_Weald]

What I find very interesting is that the background music you chose corresponds (I’m a ballerina) to either the bare exercise/warm up in ballet - which we use to “cut our lines correctly”, just like you do, over and over again until it’s second nature, just like you do with carving a block and printing over and over again until carving becomes intuitive. Other music you chose corresponds to exercises on the pointes 🩰 where we do the same turn over and over again until it’s near enough perfect and muscle memory takes over. Your thoroughness pleases my thoroughness :) 🙏🏻

[EliotChildress]

I’m also someone who works with wood and usually think of myself as a patient person. But… wow. I can’t even imagine. It’s amazing in every way. Congratulations on a life well spent. I’m glad to know you’ll be carrying this tradition into the future. Looks like a it’s in great hands.

[alcyonecrucis]

Wow what a guy ! I’m still learning how to cut with the hangi to, definitely a steep learning curve ! 😊

[MoranetzMakes]

Thank you for making this video! I know it adds a lot of extra effort to do the filming/editing, but it’s very exciting to see the progress.

[lcox]

This type of work is exquisite. They seem to have a character all of there own. I wish people today would fall in love with old techniques instead of mass production. You are doing an amazing job and very lucky to be able to go to Japan.

[ThePaidiose]

Such a pleasure to watch a master craftsman in the making!Look forward to buying the print for my collection.

[bruh.]

This is amazing and passionate work. You are incredibly inspiring, and I hope that one day I will find my passion as well.

[jacekmachowski]

wow :) Great Work. Thanks you very much for the opportunity to view your work technique. Best wishes :)

[jakobgjertsen]

Wow!
Looking forward to see more of the process and the final image! Love the explenation troughout, toughts and problemsolving along the way!🤩 Also verry relaxing with music and voice audio!
Inspirational!







Shin hanga😍😍

[mokuhanga]

Superb work, Taran

For promoting your account, 'mericans type surname last, Hiroshi Yoshida, and perhaps this should be in the video title.


👍

[lou]

Well worth waiting for Taran-san. I will be coming back to watch again many-many times. Thank You.

[leCanard]

Loved your video, I will be listening to every future release!

[AnetteY]

Super interesting, thank you so much! Makes me realise what a beginner I am 🤗

[ROCO]

Amazing work and a very good video. A pleasure to watch🤍

[davidh]

Very glad to see your carving video, awesome job

[meltdowngrfx]

Great video! Thanks for sharing your carving knowledge 🙏

[vividlabskp]

Thank you for this! I really appreciate your explanations, both on the context and on the carving. So nice to see the traditional method.

[brianrosswakeham]

Well done Taran-san. Great video for those who are or want to learn. Also love your perspectives on life.