“I’m sure most people haven’t seen all 16 episodes of this series” Me, who’s probably seen every episode at least 8 times: Yeah probably not

"As long as you let it drink, it will cooperate..." Sounds like some of my relatives. lol

The Great Wave playlist is how I fall asleep most nights since Dave emits Bob Ross vibes.

My first day in Japan in 2019, the very first thing I did after leaving the airport was making a “micro wave” print with Dave. It was the most lovely introduction to my two weeks there. Thank you for welcoming me Dave and Cameron and Audrey and the rest of the staff! I was so nervous to be there alone and your warmth and kindness meant the world.

When it comes to wood block prints, Dave takes the bronze, silver and gold.

Kickstarter backer #129 here. I can't believe that people sold their prints! Mine is on display right next to me at my desk and I still love it.

I just finished rewatching the entire series! Perfect timing.

I can can assure you I have watched all 16 of them. Twice. And I'm sure a lot of people have.

I really appreciate Dave's discussion about planning for his legacy. I think in American culture there is often an attitude that talking about death is inviting disaster rather than preparing for the inevitable, and it is wonderful to see the care being taken to have this beautiful art continue to be made and enjoyed by the next generation.

“I’m sure most people haven’t seen all 16 episodes” who answered “I have”! I know I did.

Dave I can’t stress how much I admire you. You took so many insane risks to learn about this traditional craft with so little profit. It’s amazing how inspiring that is. The safe choice might not always be the most fulfilling and you’re great proof of that

Few months ago I turned 42 and my younger brother gave me a present which I appreciate completely. He gave me a woodblock printing made by you! My brother and I went to Japan two years ago, just two brothers, and loved being in Japan. We were in Tokyo. So now there is a piece of work, that you made, hanging here on my wall here in Greenland, Upernavik. So, thank you so much for your beautiful work, and thanks to my brother as well. Love and respect from Knud Geisler Larsen, an Inuit from Greenland (Inuit Nunaat).

David Bull is the great ship that carries us over the great waves of life.

Since over a year I am counting seconds until I can finally fly to Japan again and walk into your shop in Asakusa for the first time. :)

The honesty you have is truly something special. I cannot wait for the day I receive an email instructing me I can finally purchase The Great Wave :)

I can watch Dave talking about a single particular block or print for literal years. Also, I'm just astounded and amazed by the life hack of temporarily "restoring" cracked woodblocks by damping them with warm water.

While I understand the younger carver not wanting to be on camera, I do hope that we get some kind of video comparing the two editions, just to showcase the differences in taste between Dave and his colleague. I'm sure the new edition will be just as stunning in its own right.

*I WOULD LIKE* one of the next generation of prints from the apprentice - it is important to make sure these skills and traditions are kept alive...

I started watching this and initially thought, “I’d like my print to be one of the earlier ones from a fresh carving” but as I continued to watch, there’s a sense of uniqueness and a story behind every print…peace & love

Good seeing you again. Looking forward to seeing the Mokuhankan culture blossom.

I can never get enough of Mr. Bull’s candid nature and beautiful and thorough explanations of the process and the business. Unfortunate to hear the wait list is in the 1000’s; I clearly have a long way to go before I get my own copy!

I put myself to the very end of the waiting list only a few days ago (i.e. first day of summer 2024). When the time will come up to me, half a decade from now, I would like to obtain one copy printed from Dave's original block set - don't care how worn out the print may look then. And an additional copy from your younger carvers - to encourage their continuous efforts for the future! BTW: Damn the KZfaq algorithm for not suggesting this channel to me nine or ten years earlier!

Hi Dave! I waited all the way until the end to comment, but I wanted to say what an eye opening journey that was to watch! I was very lucky to have seen a couple Instagram posts about classic artists such as Hasui, Hiroshige, Yoshida, etc., and decided to search Google more thoroughly. I'm so grateful the video listings showed your YT channel (I started yesterday night btw lol) Not only do you have a perfect storytelling voice, but the caring attention to quality detail and research you did on this project was nothing short of mesmerizing! This series reminded me very much of the philosophy behind Kintsugi, that even experiencing failures and setbacks can be mended into something so beautiful. I hope one day I can try this art style out myself, and just know I will sing your praises to anyone asking me how or why I started for as long as I am able to

Came to check in on Dave after seeing it’s been 3 months. glad all is well and that you guys are focused on your work. take your time. we will be here when you get back!

15:54 That pop is so satisfying...

My heart broke when I saw the pilgrimage key block as I recently put myself on that waiting list, and it was THAT print that drew my attention the most. I pray it will work for you long enough for me to get to buy the prints.

I'm a simple man, I see David, I press like.

So great to see an update! Loved the Great Wave process! Those videos made me want to come to Japan and hopefully take a visit to your shop. Best of luck reopening, David and staff :)

I have recently re watched The Great Wave series so this video is an absolute delight to see!!

Thank you for sharing all this knowledge with us Dave. Whenever I sit down to watch your videos I always find myself becoming completely absorbed into what you are saying.

thank you for making these videos. your style of video is always soothing so they are perfect for a creating a peaceful mood while enjoying and learning about prints

You have definitely kickstarted the woodblock carving and printing culture in me. After having discovered you and your art I am completely blown away by every print I can get my eyes on. Thank you for making history within me Dave.

Hi Dave!!!!!!! Love from California!!!!!!!!!!! I can't wait to see your prints no matter who had the honor of making them, your videos have educated me so much and I'm thankful you decided to start making them!

Such a thoughtful way to do business. I love that. Many would hike the price. Supply and demand, but you're intentionally keeping them more accessible by keeping it level. I also like your respectful way of honouring your teams skills. Although you clearly can do many if not all of the stages and are highly skilled, I always notice you are quick to dishing out the credit to those skilled workers in your team and out with that play a hand in it. Or mention when a small error is normal and doesn't reflect or cast shade onto the printer or what not. Absolutely love this KZfaq channel. ♥️

Got my print at the end of last year. Couldn't be happier with how it looks. I love that I have a print that I watched you research and create from beginning to end. The whole series, as well as your other videos, really gave me an appreciation of ukiyo-e I never would have developed without it.

I have been on your waiting list for a couple of months only David and I am extremely excited about the possibility of owning one of these iconic pieces of art, especially knowing the care, love and professionalism put into each and every one of them. You and the entire Mokuhankan team have my utmost respect and admiration.

I love the level of thought and transparency that goes on in his processes

It is always such a pleasure to hear from Dave!

“We have a waiting list for these prints that currently runs to 4 figures, the first of which is not a 1” I’m never going to get one of these prints... I’ve only been on the list for a couple months :( Edit: I just want to share my perspective on the follow-up series. While I have no doubts about the capacity of the other accomplished Mokuhankan carvers. I would love to have a copy that has such an intimate legacy with Mokuhankan; that’s had this unprecedented documentation. Heck, Mokuhankan could be called “The House The Great Wave Built,” as it was the Kickstarter campaign that helped solidify the shop!

I was fortunate enough to visit the shop and pick up what looked like his last one available at the time last year right before the pandemic. Thanks for your hard work! The print looks great!

Brilliant video! The process and culture of the woodblock work is always fascinating.

Dave, you will have had lots of comments over the years on how great your videos are. Their lovely production, the great information in them, you sharing your skills and those of your team with the world. The invaluable source of information for those who just appreciate the craft, but perhaps even more so for those who actively engage in it. But above all, these videos make me happy. They never fail to leave me with a smile on my face, providing a distraction from whatever else is going on. Here's to hoping you'll keep making them for a long time to come.

I have one of the more recent prints, and I am sure it is the closest to a masterpiece as envisioned by the original artist as I will ever have in my home. The respect you have for the craft and reviving a proper edition given all the garbage reproductions made in the intervening century or so is a great gift to lovers of the art form and the artist. Thank you. I was watching a video recently about Van Gogh’s Starry Night, and while most people know he was a huge fan of Hokusai and Japanese woodblocks (including the several painted copies he made), many more probably don’t realize the curl of the Great Wave was the probable inspiration for the central swirl in Starry Night. Hope we are coming to Tokyo again some day not too far away and look forward to coming by your shop again. Wish you all the best Dave.

Stunning work by everybody involved. All works looks amazing! 💯

I’ve been watching your channel for so long. Initially as a way to learn more about the art form but also because you have a Bob Ross-esque presence. Unfortunately I never had enough disposable income to spend on prints. Today, as a birthday present to myself, I’ve allowed myself to buy a couple. I even put myself on your waitlist for The Great Wave. You’re a fantastic craftsman and salesman and I’m proud to finally be able to support your efforts. Thank you!

Can't believe I was just a teenager watching these in 2016 and now it's wonderful knowing as an adult things are still going on!!!

Whether you're reading from a script or making it up as you go, you're extremely eloquent and well-spoken, Dave.

It's so cool how some parts of the block degradation as you show around 27 minutes ADD to the images. You and your shop staff's commitment to the best product is highly admirable, Dave. As always, it was a genuine pleasure to watch your video. Thanks for sharing the update!

I can't even begin to tell you how many times I've watched all 17 parts of this series between my family's three KZfaq accounts.....

Ok...the print of the cat and the bonsai is officially on my need list ! Thanks Dave for more...well... Dave. Love everything you guys do ! Regards from Wales, UK

If I had the money I'd definitely be a collector of all of the Mokuhankan prints! excellent work as always David and the crew!

This is one of the best channels Ive subscribed to. Much love from the Philippines🇵🇭

Thanks for all of this content David!

I'm excited about a new and improved print regardless of the carver, but if you find that there is demand for "authentic" David Bull carvings, perhaps for a premium price you could offer a two print set of the new and the failing blocks and include documentation going into detail explaining the differences and talking about the various failures. There's a good chance that the type of person that wants YOUR prints is also highly interested in the process and will find such an item very interesting.

Finally a new video. The last 2 have been great, but Dave and his Bob Ross / ASMR Voice... it's been missed! And Dave, I have watched all 16 previous great wave videos, several times!

Thank you so much for all your videos, you are a huge inspiration! Because of you, this fall, I enrolled myself in Japanese woodblock printmaking formation! I'm so happy! have a lovely day! (sorry for my English :) )

Always good to see a video from Dave!

This is absolutely stunning David keep it up

Love this print. Glad I purchased a few years ago. Keep up the great work and content!

Oh wow , i just started watching the series couple nights ago, whenever i saw the notification i thought to myself "wait , i turned off recommendation notifications , what is going on KZfaq?" but it was a rather pleasant surprise indeed :)

Absolutely loved to watch your latest Great Wave video Dave: fantastic!

Great update Dave! Might I suggest that you please please please document the restoration process also?

Thx for the update. Still on the waiting list. I can wait another 14 month for this beauty ;)

He is beauty. He is grace. But more importantly, art he creates!

40mins of bliss. Thanks for sharing the vid my friend

Hi! I'm from Twitch, only bumped into your channel a month or two ago. Your stream is often at 2 am for me, but I've grown attached. It's so interesting to hear about crafts and art, but also history and society in Japan. Last night I fell asleep watching the stream just before I saw the KZfaq plate, but I'm impressed, very cool! And to learn that you've been doing this on KZfaq for ~10 years and even newsletter type of thing since the 1990's! Congratulations! And the best wishes to you finding new qualified employees, as well as sourcing your materials. Looking forward to more story times in the future!

Amazing Dave. Love your videos and vibe!

Wow, I discovered this channel a few months ago and just finished watching part 16 of the Great Wave series two days ago. I would absolutely love a copy of this print.

Thank you for the update. The day when my print shows up in the post will be one to remember...whenever it comes.

Thank you David... it is a beautiful print!

Love the content. Happy for you. You’ve made your dream a thing of reality. I hope Covid doesn’t hurt the business too much. Keep on.

A David notification appears: I click 😁. Thank you for your beautiful videos and stories David!

Your professionalism, expertise, carefulness, and humility are very honorable, Mr. Bull. And, by the way, I think there may be a market for your misprints, as well. Labelled as such, and sold with an honest assessment of their flaws, I believe they could become collectible as your notoriety and reputation continue to grow.

Dear Dave, thank you so much for your transparence about your outstanding work. For sure you have to be proud of your wonderful masterpieces! I think that the little "errors" in printing can be considered also as a strong "uniqueness" in the print. I got a question for you: are you going to sell the retired copies too if someone will ask you to? Please continue to take us updated with great news and with your wonderful and passionate videos! I wish you great success and health! Take care.

I've seen all your episodes! Love your work

You are the epitome of awesomeness. Please keep doing what you are doing

I can’t explain how much this video inspires me. I hope after this is done I can pay a visit to mr Hokusai San grave and to your shop too. I love to start my collection w some of your beautiful artwork.

The works are beautiful. Put the prices up. Love your series. Thank you.

Very beautiful work. Thank for sharing

Yes, seen all the videos, AND got the print - see it every day! Getting very philosophical towards the ends there, Dave-san? Must be old age creeping in (ask me how I know!) ;-)

I got kicked off KZfaq for unknown reasons a few years ago and just remembered you. I’m so glad you are still here. Thank you.

I just bought this as a poster for my sister from Target I knew it was familiar! Great work!

The Great Wave print has always blown me away. This recent video has inspired me to put my name on the list for the next batch. Greatful for the possibility of having one sent my way, one day.

Has it really been 6 years? I still love my print thank you for all your hard work.

Another great update, go Mokuhankan!

this is incredibly fascinating; thanks for sharing !!

This series is how I discovered this channel :)

Hi Dave The point you made at the end about creating a culture was very significant to me.

Binge watched the first collection of great wave videos back in 2018 and bought my copy right after. Love the print and miss the “let’s take a walk outside the shop at night” clips at the end of those videos.

Mokuhankan is going to be my first stop in a post-COVID world. I can't wait to meet these craftspeople.

With a four figure waiting list for this print, my respect and thanks to the Printer. She is amazing, and I look forward to proudly displaying mine when it arrives.

Regarding the price, I think it would also be nromal to increase it as the global cost of living rises. 100$ in 2015 isn't 100$ today, paper might cost more (or less, but probably more), as you say, printers are paid more, usw. doubling / tripling the price at once would be a bean counter move :) but gradually recalculating the price / margin of each batch isn't a red flag in my opinion.

I don’t know what this is but it’s interesting and your voice is calming, so I’ll keep watching.

Seen all the videos and the Great Wave is hanging on my wall. 🌊❤️

Thank you for another lovely video. For quite some time now my wish has been to visit your shop, and while recent 'events' may have delayed it, I'm not giving up. Until then - KZfaq and Twitch will have to do :)

I appreciate the copy I received last year even more now. The wait was worth it.

Good to see you again!

"Get your binge on" woah Dave don't threaten me with a good time

the 2021 prints are quite fine, and from these examples i think that in some places they even look better than the 2015 and 2017 prints. i appreciate you and your team's dedication in maintaining the integrity of this blockset.

Fascinating yet again.