[ASMR] Mokuhanga - Japanese Wood block printmaking "Spring Blooms"

Reproducing an Imao Keinen design from Meiji Japan available for purchase down below:
.
www.brandonjoh...
.
My name is Brandon Johnson and I am an 'artist' outside of Chicago, IL. I work in a variety of mediums including painting, drawing, etc, however within the last year or so I have caught the printmaking bug. Rarely has a day gone by over the last year and a bit without either designing, carving, or printing.
This video is documenting the production of a project that I had been working on during the month of March and early April reproducing one of my favorite designs by the painter and designer, Imao Keinen.
In this video we will look at what I consider to be the most exciting part of the whole process, the moment we get to make a print. We will follow along from the very beginning of the printmaking process, with preparing the paper, all the way to the final impression. This is the part where all the hours of work and over thirty days have led to! With this being my most difficult print, both carving and printing, to date, I had no idea how I would feel at the end of this. I am happy to say that I am quite happy. There are still things that I would improve, and can improve, but overall I think it came out very well. The quiet chipping away of the cherry wood block and the slight sounds of the block shifting as we move through the process. The soft rustle of the paper, the quiet clank of the pigment cups, the light brushing, the barren rubbing. I don't really like to put the asmr in the title, but it is ultimately the best way to describe this. Soundscape would be more appropriate, as it is the peaceful sounds that make up the average day of work on a wood block. Take a look as we move through different techniques. I don't often think of these videos as tutorials, as I myself am still learning, but if you every want to hear about what not to do I can always throw one of those together.
Subsequent videos in the series will be about color blocks and printing.
I hope everyone enjoys, as it has been a while since the last time I put together a full video like this.
.
Instagram: www.instagram....
.
#mokuhanga #making #woodblock #woodblockprint #japanesecraft
#japanesecraft #japaneseart #ukiyoe #asmr #woodcut #unintentionalasmr

[@sela.kantu777gospel]

Extremamente lindo!!! 👏👏👏

[@gregorcollins]

So cool, thanks

[@russellwilson6388]

The whole process is difficult enough but to produce a really engaging video to present it deserves utmost respect

[@howdoyoulive211]

Thank you so much for such kind words!!!

[@KWAArchitects]

Awesome

[@mokuhanga1]

Very nicely carved

[@howdoyoulive211]

Thank you so much! I think we are slowly getting better :-)

[@HeyPainting]

My dear friend~ nice sharing! Have a nice Friday~~😀😀😀😀

[@howdoyoulive211]

Thank you so much! I hope you have a nice Friday as well!

[@TINKALKHATRI-sl2xw]

Hello, the video is so engaging and interesting. I wanted to know what those three liquids are, along with the composition of the inks you are using.

[@simonedoherty6195]

Nicely done. A beautiful print. I notice you don't use a covering/protective sheet while you use the baren to take the image off the block. Is there a reason for this?

[@howdoyoulive211]

Thank you so much! It depends on the print. If the paper is sized well, properly moistend, and the baren is in good shape, I might not need to use a backing sheet. However, if the print requires more pressure when printing, I will undoubtedly use one. This print was mostly small, delicate details, so I did not need to use too much pressure. Now my most recent print, I had a lot of impressions that needed me to use a backing sheet. It us definitely a case by case thing for myself.
Hopefully this answers your question. Thank you again!

[@simonedoherty6195]

@@howdoyoulive211 Thanks, yes, that does answer my question.

[@whitebirdart1696]

Brilliant, I love it. I'm also heavily inspired by Ukiyo-e, currently working on a series that mimics the flatness but through paintings, not woodblock prints. Can I ask you what the semi-transparent white liquid is that you add to the paint? Is it some sort of flow agent?

[@howdoyoulive211]

Thank you so much! That is exciting! It is always so cool to see how people of influenced by Ukiyo-e, and how they make it new!
The semi-transparent liquid is a starch paste. It is made from rice starch mixed with water to give it a little more movement. The paste helps to spread the pigments on the block in an even manner. If we did not use it, the colors would become blotchy and uneven.
Hopefully this answers your question! And thank you again!

[@whitebirdart1696]

@@howdoyoulive211 it did indeed, thank you! Was just reading about it actually! You’ve inspired me to take a crack at creating my own block so when I visit Japan this year I’ll look into some materials. I already intend on visiting some ink and brush crafters so this will be a good topic to discuss with them. Cheers.

[@howdoyoulive211]

@@whitebirdart1696 That is fantastic to hear on all fronts! Please let me know when you give it a try, as I would love to see what you end up creating! I hope you have a phenomenal time in Japan later this year!

[@TiborHunka]

a harmadik edényben csak sima víz van ?

[@howdoyoulive211]

Yes, it is just plain water.

[@rchancock]

Just purchased Spring Blooms". Are these numbered and signed?

[@howdoyoulive211]

Thank you so much!!! They are! Although since these are what might be called open editions, the numbers are more there for keeping track of which one and how many have been made.

[@rchancock]

@@howdoyoulive211 Spring Blooms finally arrived in the mail. Very nice work. Nice addition to my collection. Once I get it matted and make the frame I'll send a photo.

[@howdoyoulive211]

@@rchancock Thank you so much! I am glad to hear that it arrived safely! I would love to see it once it is all set in your space.