[Baren]: The mailing list / discussion forum for woodblock printmaking.

Baren Digest            Wednesday, 10 December 1997    Volume 01 : Number 011


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From: Oilcolors <Oilcolors@aol.com>
Date: Tue, 9 Dec 1997 09:57:18 EST
Subject: [Baren 45] Re:  Two printmakers ... 

In a message dated 12/9/97 4:28:07 AM, you wrote:

>Hiratsuka-san was one of the first men in Japan to try and break away
....
>I read in the story that he was currently working on a series of 100
>prints featuring female nudes and poetry.  To be 102 years old ... still
>active at printmaking ... on a series of nudes ...

Dave:

How could we in the states get a look at images of these prints do you think?

- -Dan-

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From: Graham Scholes <gscholes@islandnet.com>
Date: Tue, 9 Dec 1997 07:48:42 -0800
Subject: [Baren 46] Re: Visit to a Printer ... 

Dave wrote:
>Graham, I wonder if perhaps the soaking might be part of the problem.
>Here in the 'traditional' part of the woodblock world, water is
>generally considered an 'enemy' of a brush.


Very interesting Dave.
I will contact Noboru Sawai and ask the question.  I'm sure he instructed
us to soak brushes.
Do you get many hairs coming out of your brushes?

Graham

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From: Graham Scholes <gscholes@islandnet.com>
Date: Tue, 9 Dec 1997 07:52:27 -0800
Subject: [Baren 47] Re: Two printmakers ... 

Hi Dave

I will be at the Victoria Art Gallery on Wed and will pass this on to
Barry Tate, who is curator of the Japanese print collection.  The Gallery
has one of the largest collections of Woodblock prints in Canada.

Graham

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From: David Bull <davebull@asahi-net.email.ne.jp>
Date: Wed, 10 Dec 1997 07:41:53 +0900
Subject: [Baren 48] Re: Two printmakers ... 

> How could we in the states get a look at images of these prints do you think?

He had an exhibition here in Tokyo last summer, but I knew nothing of it
and saw no newspaper notices.  He really hasn't been 'big' over here. 
From 1962 until his 100th birthday he lived in Washington DC, and it is
over there that he had most success.  I should be asking _you_ where I
can find these prints!

(But I'll keep my eyes open, and let you know if I see anything...)

Dave Bull

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From: David Bull <davebull@asahi-net.email.ne.jp>
Date: Wed, 10 Dec 1997 07:58:19 +0900
Subject: [Baren 49] Re: Visit to a Printer ... 

> Do you get many hairs coming out of your brushes?

As a general rule, no.   I've learned that now and then one gets a brush
that sheds quite a bit when new, but which may 'settle down' after some
use.  Then there are those that just never settle down, but which just
keep shedding ...  Chuck them.  It's not worth ruining a print that will
sell for far more than the cost of a new brush ...

Dave

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From: Keith Elwell-Gavins <keitheg@tpgi.com.au>
Date: Wed, 10 Dec 1997 10:33:03 -0800
Subject: [Baren 50] Hello.... 

Hello everyone, 

David has invited me to join the list after I made an inquiry to him via 
email, so I'll just introduce myself.

I have a background in art history (Asian art, particularly early Indian 
and S/E Asian Buddhist and Hindu art and architecture), computer graphics 
and image processing, as well as graphic design. I am just venturing 
forth into woodblock printing at out local print workshop, which runs 
adult education classes in most forms of art printmaking. 

Why Japanese woodblock? Two reasons, I guess... It's as far away from 
any sort of technology or computers-in-printmaking as I can get, and it 
relies on a tradition which I much admire (but one which by no means 
limits diversity or stylistic creativity). And I guess there's a third 
reason - I just love the look of a quality Japanese woodprint (modern 
as much as traditional) on handmade paper .

I'm also setting up a studio area at home now that our two boys have 
left home and returned some peace, space and sanity to the house  :-) 
So, it is very early days for me in this media, but with this list, 
other Internet resources,  and excellent local teachers, (and time and 
dedication on my behalf), I am looking forward to exploring the medium 
and developing my skills.

A question: does anyone know where to buy the traditional Japanese 
carving tools (other than going to Japan!). I am after the type which 
has the removable ferule which enables the handle to split in two and 
so adjust the length of the steel blade. I've been scouring 
artists/woodworker suppliers on the Internet, but to no avail. The best 
I have been offered, (which are also available locally for me), are the 
Swiss-made mushroom-handle style of tool. They are available in Vs, Us 
and knife edges. I've seen photographs of traditional Japanese 
printmakers using both styles of tool. Does it matter? Is it just 
personal taste? Your thoughts and suggestions most welcome.

As a raw beginner, I don't know that I can offer much practical advice 
to any of the discussions at this stage, other than a technique I use 
to soften brush tips: The traditional method, of course, is to use 
sharkskin, or a rough sandpaper if sharkskin is not available. A quick 
effective method I use is to clamp the bristles in between two small 
pieces of timber, leaving about 1/2" of bristle sticking out. A nut and 
bolt through each end of the timber holds the bristles securely. I then 
run the bristles along the rough stone of a rotating high-speed bench 
grinder. It only takes a couple of seconds. Then turn the brush over 
and do the other side. The clamps make sure that the bristles don't 
simply get pushed aside by the rotating stone, and also enables you to 
keep your fingers away! This certainly works for longer-haired 
flat brushes. Shorter-haired brushes can be run directly on the grinding 
stone. Wider 'traditional' brushes are best rubbed on the flat side area 
of the stone. 

Looking forward to hearing from you all, 

Regards, Keith

 ======================
  Keith Elwell-Gavins           email: keitheg@tpgi.com.au
   9 Considine Close            ph (02) 6299-4161
  Queanbeyan, NSW 2620
       AUSTRALIA
 ======================

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From: Gary Luedtke <GLuedtke@compuserve.com>
Date: Tue, 9 Dec 1997 21:34:35 -0500
Subject: [Baren 51] Hello.... 

Keith,
   Welcome to the group.
   I am sure David knows of places in Japan where split handled knives can
be obtained, but having ordered one myself, I might recommend McClain's in
Portland, Oregon, U.S.A.  Their address is:

McClain's Printmaking Supplies
PO Box 13734
Portland, Oregon, 97213-0734
U.S.A.

They have a variety of sizes from 1.0mm to 9.0mm in Hangi-to (knife),
Komasuki (u-gouge), Aisuki (bull-nose chisel-no reference to Dave), and
Sankaku To(V-gouge) from prices in U.S.Dollars of $17.50 to $35.75.  They
are imported from Japan so perhaps David could find a better deal over
there.

I have no experience actually with carving, but this tool appears to be
good quality to me.  I have slowly been acquiring carving and printing
materials in the hopes of one day trying it out.  For the time being, it is
enough for me to design prints and that is going all too slow.

Look forward to this growing body of woodblock print enthusiasts and the
discussions and experiences  which it should generate.  Once again,
welcome.

Gary Luedtke
gluedtke@compuserve.com

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From: Ray Esposito <brassring@brassring.org>
Date: Tue, 09 Dec 1997 20:41:56 -0500
Subject: [Baren 52] Re: Hello.... 

At 10:33 AM 12/10/97 -0800, you wrote:
>I'm also setting up a studio area at home now that our two boys have 
>left home and returned some peace, space and sanity to the house  :-) 
>So, it is very early days for me in this media, but with this list, 
>other Internet resources,  and excellent local teachers, (and time and 
>dedication on my behalf), I am looking forward to exploring the medium 
>and developing my skills.

Welcome to the list.  I too am new, this being just my second week.  Your
post would almost duplicate my experience in that I am semi-retired (no
kids however) and setting up a studio in my home.  You have one advantage I
do not have and that is the availability of excellent teachers.

To the entire list, I would appreciate any help I could get finding some
training in the Central Florida area.  This part of Florida is what we call
a print wasteland.  Talk to anyone about prints of any kind and all you get
is a blank stare.  It is very frustrating to visit the many museums in the
area, ask for the print department and get the response, "what's a print
department?"  (That actually happened.)

If anyone knows of sources and/or workshops I would be very grateful.
Trying to learn only from books is tough.  I am planning to take a week
course at the Santa Fe College Printmaking Center but that gets expensive
after awhile.  The hotels cost more than the school.  I am open to
suggestions of any kind.

Thanks to all and keep these great posts coming.  I can't believe what I am
learning from this list.  You folks could write a book on brushes alone.

Ray Esposito
President/Founder
The Brass Ring Society
500 Macaw Lane, No. 5
Fern Park, Florida  32730
e-mail:	     brassring@brassring.org
WEB SITE:    http://www.brassring.org/brassring  	

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From: David Bull <davebull@asahi-net.email.ne.jp>
Date: Wed, 10 Dec 1997 14:47:39 +0900
Subject: [Baren 53] Re:  Hello.... 

Hi Ray, I was hoping you would introduce yourself ...

> I too am new, this being just my second week.

This is _everybody's_ second week!  [Baren] only started up on November
28th!

> I would appreciate any help I could get finding some
> training in the Central Florida area.

Although I doubt anybody in [Baren] will be able to pop up and direct
you to a printmaking workshop 'just around the corner' from where you
live, please don't let that discourage you.  Woodblock printmaking,
despite all the stuff about glue and brushes you've been reading here,
is extremely 'low tech'.  ANY wood, ANY paper, ANY pigment, etc. will
serve to make interesting prints.  All the details about supplies and
techniques are just 'nuance'.

Have you found the section on 'how-to' on Matt Brown's site?
http://www.ooloopress.com

There's also a section on my own site ...
http://www.asahi-net.or.jp/~xs3d-bull/how-to/techniques.html

And if you check Jean's printmaking links, it'll lead you to more ...
http://users.lanminds.com/~jeaneger

You said that
> Trying to learn only from books is tough.

That may be so, but learning 'with your hands' is fun.  Everybody here
is learning in pretty much the same way, by sitting in a room and
hacking away at a plank of wood.  So please give it a try, and keep in
touch as you go.  

We look forward to your questions and contributions ...

Dave Bull

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From: Graham Scholes <gscholes@islandnet.com>
Date: Tue, 9 Dec 1997 21:51:40 -0800
Subject: [Baren 54] Hello right back. 

Hi Keith

Welcome to the Baren.  And welcome to the magic world of Japanese Woodblock
printmaking. We are a small group just now but with the good fortune of
having some very knowledgeable people that can help with your problems and
enquiries.

The Japanese tools you are looking for are available here in Vancouver
Canada.  Noboru Sawai, my teacher, has them. Just saw your address so
forget my offer.  Go to Japan. Dave Bull can possibly help.

 A word of caution about those Swiss-made mushroom-handle style of tool.
The steel in any that I tried is not 1,2,3, to the Japanese steel.  They
don't hold an edge.

I have carved something in the order of 300 plates in the past 5 years with
the Japanese tools the amount of wear is about 1/16".  That is how much I
have moved the blades forward in the handles.  Not bad.  I strongly suggest
you spend the money and by the Japanese tools.   I can make some
recommendation as to the basic needs and then an extended list of the tools
that I have used. The prices get up there so one has to be careful.

Have visited the sites listed on the Baren page
http://www.asahi-net.or.jp/~xs3d-bull/baren/default.html

Let me know if you need more help.

Graham Scholes

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From: David Bull <davebull@asahi-net.email.ne.jp>
Date: Wed, 10 Dec 1997 18:47:05 +0900
Subject: [Baren 55] Re: carving tools ... 

Graham wrote:
> I have carved something in the order of 300 plates in the past 5 years with
> the Japanese tools.  The amount of wear is about 1/16".  That is how much I
> have moved the blades forward in the handles.  Not bad.

Graham, that must be a new world record!  Did you say something a 
while back about being Scottish?

This is a great illustration of one difference between carving on
plywood and carving on hard cherry blocks!

I get from the blacksmith each time, a package of a dozen blades for my 
carving knife.  I need to do this about once every two years ...

Dave

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End of Baren Digest V1 #11
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