I was almost tearing up once he started to talk about the dude in the end , had to pause the video for a moment. Being an artist is a live long journey of hardship, struggle, love, fear and longing not jut outside the practised art. The modern commercialization of art is a sad thing, I myself am a scientist and am seeing the commoditization of science reaching levels that concern me a lot. we are loosing our freedom of self determined beeing.
How do you know he wasn't destroyed? Do you have to be an artist to feel that way? Do most geriatric persons have that experience? I'm not sure your cares arent' through rose tinted glasses. I dont understand feeling emotional about that story describes any insight to me. ... and that about a lot of things. I'm thinking about feelings as perception, and i'm not sure that feelings ever really properly perceive a thing, yet we rely on them to tell us what's going on. Anyway, you have to define "destroyed" to make your statement count for something.
@@youtubeseagull "being destroyed" here means reacting to his suffering in a way that caused him to not enjoy living. According to the quotes, he did enjoy living even though he dedicated himself to his art. Therefore, his art didn't destroy him. The original commenter seems to have seen so many examples of artists self-destructively throwing themselves into their work that it surprised/relieved them to see an example of an artist's relatively happy ending. Their comment was likely an expression of hopefulness, because something about that story taught/reminded them that they could be a happy artist too. So I think it makes a lot of sense for them to have an emotional response to the story, because it impacts the way they view/live their life. Emotions don't need objective to be integral to how people experience the world. If we accept emotions as valid(not sound), even while acknowledging that they're subjective, it seems like we're no longer relying on them to be our perception, right? It's also worth mentioning that our perceptions are inherently subjective as well, so it's debatable if properly perceiving something is possible.
Watching Rhystic Studies has helped my musical and reflective writing so much. I am a Musician studying at University and watching these videos has taught me how to choose and explore a topic in full detail, and how to find meaning in things, not that we think others would want to find meaning in, but that we ourselves enjoy. And how to pass these meanings on to others so they may share our joy.
You two both have a knack for storytelling, and for picking topics I've wouldn't have chosen to explore as deeply on my own. Thanks for the cool content, Austin.
I agree, this is beautiful, Rhystic Studies is literally giving us a minor education in Art History. Such a beautiful story, you can tell he’s passionate about the topic.
You aint't missing much fella. It's not the game you once knew. Nostalgia was the only thing that kept me playing. Now that they changed the mechanics, look, feel and even smell of cards, believe it or not, it just feels like a Hasbro money grab.
I lapsed from playing and since I'm a little competitive, it takes a good while to get back into enjoying current draft environments (I mostly play(ed) limited). But a video by Sam will always pull me in! They help me appreciate the game for so much more than just a collection of stats on cardboard.
True. I myself have dropped off the game for years now. But I just can’t bring myself to also leave the creative side of Magic, specifically the lore and the artworks. Rhystic Studies and Magic Arcanum, two TH-cam channels I can’t live without.
A little bit of art history is good to help us appreciate the art of cards. Also it will allow us to think a bit more about some of the art in Neon Dynasty
This channel was literally shouted out by one of the most popular podcasts, by someone who worked at the BBC. Shows just how insanely well made this content is. Amazes me everytime a new video comes out; just how well written these are is such a master piece.
When you said "one of the most popular podcasts, by someone who worked at BBC", I instantly recognized you were talking about Gant. Degenerates as they may be, Trash Taste definitely give some great bits of insight a lot of the time.
When I hear "this video's going to be mostly art history and not very much magic" as someone who doesn't play magic but loves your videos after getting into them through the 'art of magic' series, I start rubbing my hands together with excitement.
I love how the great wave is seen as this amazing cultural art piece as it literally started as a knick-knack souvenir for tourists. This is why anytime people call something low brow I take a second glance, todays knick-knacks might be tomorrows masterpieces. A more contemporary look is the first Star Wars. At the time people thought it was just a flash in the pan gimmick and it even lost in award shows to movies nobody even remembers now.
Old comment I know, but if I’m understanding the video right it wasn’t made as a knickknack for tourists it was made as a space filler for those who had lost their livelihoods and needed new ways to feel comfortable in their homes. Since tourism wasn’t much allowed in Japan, it was Japanese people helping entertain and lift spirits of their neighbors. Less of “Low brow art” and more making something beautiful for your community not for money but only so that your community could have something beautiful.
David Bull is amazing. You can just put on a vid and watch him carve and talk and all of a sudden hours have passed. I've used "Remembering a Carver," when I can't sleep. Just good.
SO glad to see David Bull getting recognition in this video. One of the greatest artists of our time, the work he does to keep traditional Japanese woodblock printing alive is invaluable, and I'm glad to see him getting more recognition.
What a great shout out to Mr. Bull, been following him for several years and it's always a joy to watch him and his team work their craft. Lovely video and didn't at all mind the lessened emphasis on MTG
There's a great rock album called "Reflections of Floating World" by Elder, which fuses some beautiful sections with really harsh progressive rock. Both musically and lyrically, it's a focus on the escapism hedonistic art and how the real world (as opposed to the floating world) fades away in the face of plush fiction and art, and serves as a distraction from our physical problems. Didn't realize the full context until this video!
I am so desperately in love with your take on Magic, and the scholarly perspective you provide on how this hobby binds us together and provides meaning to our lives. Thank you for always giving me something to think about. As always, I'm excited to see what you talk about next.
Great video, I enjoy your content very much. I just wanted to point a little detail that often gets taken for granted: as a western civilization we usually appreciate the print of Hokusai as a wave *arriving* to some place; ,moving from left to right since that's how our writing system is read. However, Hokusai intended his piece to be read from right to left since that's the way most japanese graphic art is designed (take manga for example). So the feeling the wave its intended to give you is that of an *incoming* force of nature against you. Flip horizontally the image in photoshop and see how strong and scary the composition can be. Also its worth checking out the *previous* versions of the Kanagawa wave. Hokusai did tons of studies of waves escalating or waves already crashing until he found the perfect iteration of the subject. The little wave that rocks the third little boat is a remnant of this. Its practially another "Great Wave of Kanagawa" still in formation. Like a comic showing a two-panel sequence. The little wave also happens to "rhyme" with the shape of the mountain in the background.
I'll be honest here: I would have NEVER expected to see references to David Bull's great work in a video about MTG art. But, then again, there's the Ukiyo-e Heroes series of prints he worked on, so it makes sense, somehow. Amazing video, Sam. And I definitely hope David Bull will see this at some point, your videos are just too god. PS: I can't be the only one seeing Mussolini in that 7th Edition Rampant Growth, and be amazed by how well it fits with the flavor text.
We here for art analysis (and through that, treating this particular "low art" with the same respect and sincerity other reserve for "high art"). History is a part of that. Wood block printing being unlike anything the west has to offer is tall tale though, to put it mildly. Wood block was more than common in medieval Europe.
Very happy to see David being mentioned here, and extremely pleased with the video. Traditional artists can still sell their originals but those who go digital only truly are the ukiyo-e of the era. I wonder if there are museums out there hanging posters of digital artists on their walls.
Part of why I adore your videos *is* the art history aspects. Please don't be dissuaded by the "lack" of relevance to Magic. This video is amazing and I know I'm not the only one who would love to see more like it.
These videos don’t make better at the game, they don’t show me new combos, they don’t show me how to save money in the pursuit of a powerful deck, but every month they teach me something new and give me a deeper appreciation for the small aspects of the game that often go unnoticed or are overlooked and I think that’s what makes this by far the best magic content on the platform
You know Sam, ive had The Great Wave Off Kanagawa hung up in my room for 5 years and have been playing magic for twice that. I have never once made the connection between rampant growth and this card, but i always felt like rampant growth was familiar for so long. Another amazing video!
You talking about the attention paid to Hokusai's minute brushwork made me cry, man. I think many artists who have poured a lot of effort into unrecognized details can relate.
I love so so much to see David Bull in the wild. He's such a treasure to this world and to the art form that he loves so much. His channel is always a delight, if just to doze off to his relaxing historical narration of his favorite pieces. Thank you for featuring him heavily in this video and I hope it's brought more people to him.
Thank you Rhystic Studies for helping me realize the beauty behind Magic: The Gathering's world. I constantly catch myself making a cursory glance at a card during spoiler season or a conversation with another player, only to evaluate the card's function and strength in my decks. However, your channel constantly reminds me to pay attention to the magnificent art and the tiny details behind each card's art. I hope these videos do the same for our community
This was an excellent video. I loved the fact that it was only loosely connected to the game of Magic and focused more on the history and inspirations behind a specific peice of art.
Honestly, it feels like your entire channel is teaching us about art history through the lens of Magic, so this video is by no means out of the norm, even if its a bit more history than usual.
I come to Rhystic Studies to see what Sam is going to tangentially tie to Magic in each video. The fact that this one was art history fit in perfectly. Sam, your hard work is greatly appreciated. As a side note, Sam's voice is also one of the most soothing things I've experienced. It really makes the narrative that much more easy to listen to.
Never apologize for the topics of your works. I came here for the magic essays for sure, but I stayed because the quality and wonder of your videos has seized my imagination and attention with a deathgrip. I am a willing captive of your work, that you could rebrand and the style and effort you put through would not diminish my enjoyment of your work. If you still feel you must apologize in some way, then instead offer appreciation for the patience of a tonal change, but I believe I speak for most of us when I say that any topic you cover is ultimately irrelevant because we come for the pedigree and hard work you put in that shows through every last second of the production.
it makes sense to me, that the lack of the original would make an art piece less valuable, it always astonishes me how woodblock prints can be found as inspiration so many places these days. Especially for the great wave it is a testament to the skill and emotion the artist is able to invoke in all of us. thank you for this wonderful and insightful video.
I love The Great Wave off Kanagawa. The wave, towering over Mt. Fuji with it's claw like fingers, evokes an ominous future bearing down on Mt. Fuji and the traditional way. Even the smaller wave is larger than Mt. Fuji yet shares a distinct likeness to it. The phrase "a picture is worth 1000 words" really is true especially when referring a true work of art.
Honestly I don't mind that this was less about Magic and more about art, and that's a really nice part of your videos. Learning more about art and the world is really cool and I appreciate this a lot.
It always makes me giddy when I see that you've posted a new video. Also, I absolutely love when you dive into art history and theory. For me, it's never boring only insightful.
Impermanence and collaboration in art is always such a wonderful and personal topic for me. Four years after my BFA show it's videos like these that help me go back and re-examine the work I did and use the observations to further my art in the future.
Man, your videos are so damn good. After watching anything on your channel, I always feel educated and inspired, and with a lot of things to think about. Thanks for putting so much effort into your work, and for making such fascinating videos.
Rhystic, we watch your content because its amazing not just because its about magic. Don't apologize for continuing to make what you and all of your fans love. Your videos are truly high quality and extremely fascinating to watch and I believe that would hold true even if they weren't about magic at all.
It's my favorite piece of art that I've ever come across. It's what I doodle in class. I was just here for magic videos. Thank you so much for all this information. Spectacular.
As always, you change how I think about Magic cards and art. Thank you for sharing your perspective on this, I wouldn't know or appreciate so much about Magic's art without your channel.
Today I watch most videos on a second screen while playing a game or doing some work. For yours, I turn off everything else, eliminate all distractions and just enjoy them. Thanks for your work.
I love playing, but it was the art that really got me hooked as a kid. The oldschool/surreal fantasy art was so enthralling, yet I never really understood why. Your videos really helped me understand my connection to the game and appreciate the field of art history. I didn't even know what the topics in this discipline looked like until I came across your videos. Its truly such an amazing thing that you do, and you present it in such an astute but understandable way. The way you analyze magic cards makes me place so much more value on the not only the art, but also the game as a whole and the variety of ways it can be appreciated and played.
After watching your videos, I come out with a much, much deeper appreciation for not only magic, but the world in general. Thank you for another amazing video
Next to the game's frame history, this is my favourite of your videos. The Tenth Edition printing of Rampant Growth has long been one of my most beloved cards and learning about its connection to the Great Wave - something I've always suspected - was a treat.
I'm so so glad I found your channel and that it exists at all- I've been so obssessed with the art of magic recently yet so frustrated with the lack of content that caters to this interest, since the majority of Magic's enormous community enjoys it more as a sport
Sam. Ya nailed it. I love most that you started with Rampant Growth to launch into the art history portion of your essay, then used a piece of info from that discussion to relate back to Magic (the cards in our binders are our own ukiyo-e). Chef kiss. Thank you.
I refuse to even consider the possibility that you could be capable of releasing a video that isn't worthwhile. The deep appreciation for your source material will always produce something interesting to me.
As someone who has a thorough interest in Japanese Culture and History, and will be studying it greatly during my time with the JET Program, this is one of my favorite videos you have ever done. Thank you and amazing video.
i dont even play magic anymore but ill always watch your videos every time you post one because your perspective and writing are so good youre an amazing storyteller and id listen to you talk about anything man
i stumbled over the work of david bull the first time i found myself enchanted by looking at the great wave. nice video and appreciated to include this master in this series
Thank you so much for telling these stories nobody has quite encapsulated the story of a magic card like you have thank you sir look forward to your future upload
I'm so grateful to you for this! I've played Magic since 1995 and I am also an Art History professor. Currently, I'm teaching an intensive course on Edo art and consequently I have little time to play Magic. Now during my lectures I can see the "Magic" in Hokusai, and I smile a little wider before these magnificent works. Thank you Sam and congrats on the Ph.D.
Honestly, the "Magic adjacent, but mostly about other subjects" videos are some of my favorite, haha - they really help to contextualize the game's themes and imagery within the greater context of the world, as well as highlight the process behind the art and design that we usually take for granted. One episode I would love to see is on the card Wheel of Fortune - most people probably relate it to the TV show of the same name, but people may be less aware of the connection the version of the card printed far before Alpha as "Wheel of Fortune" is a direct draw from Tarot, as a card that represents a person's dramatic change in circumstance or a turn in luck. I don't have the chops to make this kind of video, but I think there's a lot there with the artistic references to Tarot, the later printings of Wheel of Fate and Misfortune (and great flavor text for the former that was cut, according to Gavin), that I think could make for a great Rhystic Studies deep dive :)
It might have been more art history than MtG, but the way you connect the game to so many other things is one of the biggest reasons I tune in for every new video (and rewatch every now and again, too!). Wonderful stuff as always, thanks for doing what you do. ♥
The work of REAL content creators is always worth waiting for. I always learn new things about this game and it’s inspirations because of your work. Thank you 🙏🏽
The Great Wave has always been one of my favourite pieces of art after finding out more about the print block process. I've also played EDH for years. HOW have I never realized this?! Blew my mind, to say the least
Every single one of these videos is awe inspiring. I learn so much and feel so much more connected to the game I love and the people of whom I owe that love and awe. Rhystic Studies almost made me cry with this one. Art is beautiful.
I’m a huge weeb, has been so since I was a kid even before the word weeb existed, and I can’t help myself but to be entranced by japanese art, culture and history, I positively _Love_ ukiyo-e and it’s one of my greatest inspirations as a fairly amateur artist, and I can agree about how for as well, Art is the most defining thing about Magic, more than the plotlines or the mechanics, the stories told inside those tiny cardboard rectangles can evoke entire worlds and emotions. The japanese magical archives are amazing and I’ve gotten most that I could play in the handful of decks I still own and would love more stuff like that or the new kamigawa secret lair when neo new kamigawa drops next year. Thank you so much for continuing with this series, it’s one of my absolute favorite pieces of content, not just magic content, but in general.
Sam, You do not have to justify yourself in why you felt telling it. Your story telling abilities are great enough to show that to us all in time. Take care.
Idk much water this holds since im clueless in art and art history, but deep dives in this type of topic is why i have notifications turned on for this channel.
Hearing about an artist who wasn’t destroyed by his tragedies but fell further in love with being a living piece of the universe got me.
I was almost tearing up once he started to talk about the dude in the end , had to pause the video for a moment.
Being an artist is a live long journey of hardship, struggle, love, fear and longing not jut outside the practised art.
The modern commercialization of art is a sad thing, I myself am a scientist and am seeing the commoditization of science reaching levels that concern me a lot.
we are loosing our freedom of self determined beeing.
How do you know he wasn't destroyed? Do you have to be an artist to feel that way? Do most geriatric persons have that experience? I'm not sure your cares arent' through rose tinted glasses. I dont understand feeling emotional about that story describes any insight to me. ... and that about a lot of things. I'm thinking about feelings as perception, and i'm not sure that feelings ever really properly perceive a thing, yet we rely on them to tell us what's going on. Anyway, you have to define "destroyed" to make your statement count for something.
@@youtubeseagull "being destroyed" here means reacting to his suffering in a way that caused him to not enjoy living.
According to the quotes, he did enjoy living even though he dedicated himself to his art. Therefore, his art didn't destroy him.
The original commenter seems to have seen so many examples of artists self-destructively throwing themselves into their work that it surprised/relieved them to see an example of an artist's relatively happy ending. Their comment was likely an expression of hopefulness, because something about that story taught/reminded them that they could be a happy artist too.
So I think it makes a lot of sense for them to have an emotional response to the story, because it impacts the way they view/live their life. Emotions don't need objective to be integral to how people experience the world.
If we accept emotions as valid(not sound), even while acknowledging that they're subjective, it seems like we're no longer relying on them to be our perception, right? It's also worth mentioning that our perceptions are inherently subjective as well, so it's debatable if properly perceiving something is possible.
This was my favorite thing I've watched all week. Thanks, man.
Didn't know you played MTG. Favorite deck?
Just watched your new video to click on the next thing in my reccomended and here you are.
Watching Rhystic Studies has helped my musical and reflective writing so much. I am a Musician studying at University and watching these videos has taught me how to choose and explore a topic in full detail, and how to find meaning in things, not that we think others would want to find meaning in, but that we ourselves enjoy. And how to pass these meanings on to others so they may share our joy.
I love your channel keep it up
You two both have a knack for storytelling, and for picking topics I've wouldn't have chosen to explore as deeply on my own. Thanks for the cool content, Austin.
"This video is a lot of art history."
As if that's a BAD thing?
I agree, this is beautiful, Rhystic Studies is literally giving us a minor education in Art History. Such a beautiful story, you can tell he’s passionate about the topic.
Woah woah woah. As if I clicked on a Rhystic Studies video expecting art history. What next? Cooking in a Binging with Babish video?
Magic: The Gathering is, itself, part of art history. Anyone who says otherwise didn't watch this video.
No arguments here!
I can go years without playing the game, but I still click when I see a Rhystic Studies video.
Havent played since I was 13, am 21. Still watch his channel. Still love magic and thumbing through cards.
I've never played MTG in my life. TH-cam randomly recommended the Black Lotus video and I've watched everything on this channel since.
You aint't missing much fella. It's not the game you once knew.
Nostalgia was the only thing that kept me playing. Now that they changed the mechanics, look, feel and even smell of cards, believe it or not, it just feels like a Hasbro money grab.
I lapsed from playing and since I'm a little competitive, it takes a good while to get back into enjoying current draft environments (I mostly play(ed) limited). But a video by Sam will always pull me in! They help me appreciate the game for so much more than just a collection of stats on cardboard.
True. I myself have dropped off the game for years now. But I just can’t bring myself to also leave the creative side of Magic, specifically the lore and the artworks.
Rhystic Studies and Magic Arcanum, two TH-cam channels I can’t live without.
A little bit of art history is good to help us appreciate the art of cards. Also it will allow us to think a bit more about some of the art in Neon Dynasty
bUT KamIGaWA haS tO Be FEudAL
Gotta believe in the 'art of the cards
This channel was literally shouted out by one of the most popular podcasts, by someone who worked at the BBC. Shows just how insanely well made this content is. Amazes me everytime a new video comes out; just how well written these are is such a master piece.
wow, that's awesome. which podcast / episode is it?
@@RhysticStudies haha, its a pretty degenerate podcast, but the trash taste podcast, at around 2:09:00 talking about youtuberd
When you said "one of the most popular podcasts, by someone who worked at BBC", I instantly recognized you were talking about Gant. Degenerates as they may be, Trash Taste definitely give some great bits of insight a lot of the time.
@@HarverTheSlayer haha i was sure someone would get it
Took a while to find the video in question, but it's Trash Taste Podcast Episode #26 at 2:09:29:
th-cam.com/video/og8CYLCRXeo/w-d-xo.html
When I hear "this video's going to be mostly art history and not very much magic" as someone who doesn't play magic but loves your videos after getting into them through the 'art of magic' series, I start rubbing my hands together with excitement.
Thats...whyI'mhere.GIF
I love how the great wave is seen as this amazing cultural art piece as it literally started as a knick-knack souvenir for tourists. This is why anytime people call something low brow I take a second glance, todays knick-knacks might be tomorrows masterpieces.
A more contemporary look is the first Star Wars. At the time people thought it was just a flash in the pan gimmick and it even lost in award shows to movies nobody even remembers now.
Tbf if star wars hadnt kept making movies it'd not be nearly as big a thing as it is.
@UCEao2v_GiETS19hPomVzaOg I wouldnt say it was made for knick knacks, but it was wood block art, so it was pretty cheap to buy regardless.
Umm bro?
Old comment I know, but if I’m understanding the video right it wasn’t made as a knickknack for tourists it was made as a space filler for those who had lost their livelihoods and needed new ways to feel comfortable in their homes. Since tourism wasn’t much allowed in Japan, it was Japanese people helping entertain and lift spirits of their neighbors.
Less of “Low brow art” and more making something beautiful for your community not for money but only so that your community could have something beautiful.
@@espeonage4522 You know... that's probably right. I am notoriously shit and understanding meaning and intention...
David Bull is amazing. You can just put on a vid and watch him carve and talk and all of a sudden hours have passed. I've used "Remembering a Carver," when I can't sleep. Just good.
SO glad to see David Bull getting recognition in this video. One of the greatest artists of our time, the work he does to keep traditional Japanese woodblock printing alive is invaluable, and I'm glad to see him getting more recognition.
You just combined two of my favorite things: Japanese Art History and Magic. Hats off, this is awesome!
Agreed!
Who cares if its mostly art history? It's new Rhystic Studies content!
I don’t think anyone can disagree
New Rhystic Studies : Gay Dungeon porn and torture!
What a great shout out to Mr. Bull, been following him for several years and it's always a joy to watch him and his team work their craft. Lovely video and didn't at all mind the lessened emphasis on MTG
Agreed, his channel is unintentional ASMR
Man I’m enjoying those videos, it’s just bonus that you’re uploading more than you use to.
There's a great rock album called "Reflections of Floating World" by Elder, which fuses some beautiful sections with really harsh progressive rock. Both musically and lyrically, it's a focus on the escapism hedonistic art and how the real world (as opposed to the floating world) fades away in the face of plush fiction and art, and serves as a distraction from our physical problems. Didn't realize the full context until this video!
Such an amazing album! Picked up the vinyl of it a few months ago.
I did not expect someone mentioning Elder but here we are! wow!
@@xWellensittich Got to interview them a few years ago, great dudes.
@@TheGlyde18 thats pretty awesome!
SANCT-U-ARRRRY!!!
I always found the Great Wave to be captivating but never knew any of the story behind it. Thanks for this one, Sam!
I am so desperately in love with your take on Magic, and the scholarly perspective you provide on how this hobby binds us together and provides meaning to our lives. Thank you for always giving me something to think about. As always, I'm excited to see what you talk about next.
Great video, I enjoy your content very much. I just wanted to point a little detail that often gets taken for granted: as a western civilization we usually appreciate the print of Hokusai as a wave *arriving* to some place; ,moving from left to right since that's how our writing system is read. However, Hokusai intended his piece to be read from right to left since that's the way most japanese graphic art is designed (take manga for example). So the feeling the wave its intended to give you is that of an *incoming* force of nature against you. Flip horizontally the image in photoshop and see how strong and scary the composition can be.
Also its worth checking out the *previous* versions of the Kanagawa wave. Hokusai did tons of studies of waves escalating or waves already crashing until he found the perfect iteration of the subject. The little wave that rocks the third little boat is a remnant of this. Its practially another "Great Wave of Kanagawa" still in formation. Like a comic showing a two-panel sequence. The little wave also happens to "rhyme" with the shape of the mountain in the background.
That's so fascinating!! Thank you so much for sharing!!
I'll be honest here: I would have NEVER expected to see references to David Bull's great work in a video about MTG art. But, then again, there's the Ukiyo-e Heroes series of prints he worked on, so it makes sense, somehow.
Amazing video, Sam. And I definitely hope David Bull will see this at some point, your videos are just too god.
PS: I can't be the only one seeing Mussolini in that 7th Edition Rampant Growth, and be amazed by how well it fits with the flavor text.
Great video Sam. I’m always impressed when someone teaches me something new about my own country.
We here for art analysis (and through that, treating this particular "low art" with the same respect and sincerity other reserve for "high art"). History is a part of that.
Wood block printing being unlike anything the west has to offer is tall tale though, to put it mildly. Wood block was more than common in medieval Europe.
Very happy to see David being mentioned here, and extremely pleased with the video. Traditional artists can still sell their originals but those who go digital only truly are the ukiyo-e of the era. I wonder if there are museums out there hanging posters of digital artists on their walls.
I've missed your essays on Magic related art. Glad you're producing them again!
Part of why I adore your videos *is* the art history aspects. Please don't be dissuaded by the "lack" of relevance to Magic. This video is amazing and I know I'm not the only one who would love to see more like it.
Knocked it out of the park again with this one! I absolutely loved the history behind the wood block printing style!
These videos don’t make better at the game, they don’t show me new combos, they don’t show me how to save money in the pursuit of a powerful deck, but every month they teach me something new and give me a deeper appreciation for the small aspects of the game that often go unnoticed or are overlooked and I think that’s what makes this by far the best magic content on the platform
You know Sam, ive had The Great Wave Off Kanagawa hung up in my room for 5 years and have been playing magic for twice that. I have never once made the connection between rampant growth and this card, but i always felt like rampant growth was familiar for so long. Another amazing video!
You talking about the attention paid to Hokusai's minute brushwork made me cry, man. I think many artists who have poured a lot of effort into unrecognized details can relate.
Art video essays are slowly becoming my favorite TH-cam genre.
I love so so much to see David Bull in the wild. He's such a treasure to this world and to the art form that he loves so much. His channel is always a delight, if just to doze off to his relaxing historical narration of his favorite pieces. Thank you for featuring him heavily in this video and I hope it's brought more people to him.
Thank you Rhystic Studies for helping me realize the beauty behind Magic: The Gathering's world. I constantly catch myself making a cursory glance at a card during spoiler season or a conversation with another player, only to evaluate the card's function and strength in my decks. However, your channel constantly reminds me to pay attention to the magnificent art and the tiny details behind each card's art. I hope these videos do the same for our community
This was an excellent video. I loved the fact that it was only loosely connected to the game of Magic and focused more on the history and inspirations behind a specific peice of art.
Honestly, it feels like your entire channel is teaching us about art history through the lens of Magic, so this video is by no means out of the norm, even if its a bit more history than usual.
No one does it better. Just superb unadulterated perfection in a TH-cam video. Thank you so much for making this.
I come to Rhystic Studies to see what Sam is going to tangentially tie to Magic in each video. The fact that this one was art history fit in perfectly. Sam, your hard work is greatly appreciated.
As a side note, Sam's voice is also one of the most soothing things I've experienced. It really makes the narrative that much more easy to listen to.
I love how the dude apologizes for making the video more than a magic analysis.
This was beautiful.
You could never speak a lick about magic again for as long as you make videos and I would still be excited to see every one of them.
These videos always leave me choking back tears with the emotion and history in them, and I love it
TWO, I repeat TWO rhystic study video in one month. What a great time to be alive
as much as this channel is about the history is magic, its also about the history that inspired magic
Never apologize for the topics of your works. I came here for the magic essays for sure, but I stayed because the quality and wonder of your videos has seized my imagination and attention with a deathgrip. I am a willing captive of your work, that you could rebrand and the style and effort you put through would not diminish my enjoyment of your work.
If you still feel you must apologize in some way, then instead offer appreciation for the patience of a tonal change, but I believe I speak for most of us when I say that any topic you cover is ultimately irrelevant because we come for the pedigree and hard work you put in that shows through every last second of the production.
This is PHENOMENAL! The minimal amount of magic in the video did not detract from it at all
Love your video essays. They’re really inspirational.
it makes sense to me, that the lack of the original would make an art piece less valuable, it always astonishes me how woodblock prints can be found as inspiration so many places these days. Especially for the great wave it is a testament to the skill and emotion the artist is able to invoke in all of us.
thank you for this wonderful and insightful video.
I love The Great Wave off Kanagawa. The wave, towering over Mt. Fuji with it's claw like fingers, evokes an ominous future bearing down on Mt. Fuji and the traditional way. Even the smaller wave is larger than Mt. Fuji yet shares a distinct likeness to it. The phrase "a picture is worth 1000 words" really is true especially when referring a true work of art.
Honestly I don't mind that this was less about Magic and more about art, and that's a really nice part of your videos. Learning more about art and the world is really cool and I appreciate this a lot.
NICE shoutout for David, he is really great and more people should watch his work
It always makes me giddy when I see that you've posted a new video. Also, I absolutely love when you dive into art history and theory. For me, it's never boring only insightful.
My great grandfather was a woodblock artist and seeing this video hit me right in the feels. Great stuff as always.
Impermanence and collaboration in art is always such a wonderful and personal topic for me. Four years after my BFA show it's videos like these that help me go back and re-examine the work I did and use the observations to further my art in the future.
The quality and impact of your work continues to stun me.
i think this is one of my favorite youtube videos ever and idk why
No apologies for your videos. They are always profound and we love hearing your perspectives on the game that we all love. Thanks for your work.
I played maybe half a dozen games of M.T.G. 20 years ago yet I still love watching your videos.
Man, your videos are so damn good. After watching anything on your channel, I always feel educated and inspired, and with a lot of things to think about. Thanks for putting so much effort into your work, and for making such fascinating videos.
Rhystic, we watch your content because its amazing not just because its about magic. Don't apologize for continuing to make what you and all of your fans love. Your videos are truly high quality and extremely fascinating to watch and I believe that would hold true even if they weren't about magic at all.
I legitimately believe you are among the best videographers on TH-cam.
It's my favorite piece of art that I've ever come across. It's what I doodle in class. I was just here for magic videos. Thank you so much for all this information. Spectacular.
As always, you change how I think about Magic cards and art. Thank you for sharing your perspective on this, I wouldn't know or appreciate so much about Magic's art without your channel.
Today I watch most videos on a second screen while playing a game or doing some work. For yours, I turn off everything else, eliminate all distractions and just enjoy them.
Thanks for your work.
I love playing, but it was the art that really got me hooked as a kid. The oldschool/surreal fantasy art was so enthralling, yet I never really understood why. Your videos really helped me understand my connection to the game and appreciate the field of art history. I didn't even know what the topics in this discipline looked like until I came across your videos. Its truly such an amazing thing that you do, and you present it in such an astute but understandable way. The way you analyze magic cards makes me place so much more value on the not only the art, but also the game as a whole and the variety of ways it can be appreciated and played.
After watching your videos, I come out with a much, much deeper appreciation for not only magic, but the world in general. Thank you for another amazing video
Can't recommend Dave Bull enough. He and Jed Henry have created gorgeous video game prints, and are keeping the craft alive!
This video is one of my favourite things. Telling it's story in different ways has changed me more than most self help books, Thank You, Sam.
I should mention I am colourblind. probably.
Next to the game's frame history, this is my favourite of your videos. The Tenth Edition printing of Rampant Growth has long been one of my most beloved cards and learning about its connection to the Great Wave - something I've always suspected - was a treat.
Every. Video. A. Blockbuster.
I’m so happy 2 posts in a month
I'm so so glad I found your channel and that it exists at all- I've been so obssessed with the art of magic recently yet so frustrated with the lack of content that caters to this interest, since the majority of Magic's enormous community enjoys it more as a sport
Sam. Ya nailed it. I love most that you started with Rampant Growth to launch into the art history portion of your essay, then used a piece of info from that discussion to relate back to Magic (the cards in our binders are our own ukiyo-e). Chef kiss. Thank you.
please dont feel the need to apologize for your content; this channel alone elevates magic and tcg discourse
I refuse to even consider the possibility that you could be capable of releasing a video that isn't worthwhile. The deep appreciation for your source material will always produce something interesting to me.
As someone who has a thorough interest in Japanese Culture and History, and will be studying it greatly during my time with the JET Program, this is one of my favorite videos you have ever done. Thank you and amazing video.
i dont even play magic anymore but ill always watch your videos every time you post one because your perspective and writing are so good youre an amazing storyteller and id listen to you talk about anything man
Man, that explains why I like Rampant Growth's art so much. Thanks for the vid RS
Yessss as soon as I saw this I was hoping so hard to see David Bull in here. His videos taught me so much about woodblock prints.
i stumbled over the work of david bull the first time i found myself enchanted by looking at the great wave. nice video and appreciated to include this master in this series
Lord, I could listen and watch these videos forever.
At this point I will watch anything you post even if is not about magic, the quality of your work is awesome
Thank you so much for telling these stories nobody has quite encapsulated the story of a magic card like you have thank you sir look forward to your future upload
I'm so grateful to you for this! I've played Magic since 1995 and I am also an Art History professor. Currently, I'm teaching an intensive course on Edo art and consequently I have little time to play Magic. Now during my lectures I can see the "Magic" in Hokusai, and I smile a little wider before these magnificent works. Thank you Sam and congrats on the Ph.D.
thank you so much. this is a sincerely great compliment.
Rhystic could make a video describing a cardboard box and I'd still hang on every word, he's that good of a storyteller
Honestly, the "Magic adjacent, but mostly about other subjects" videos are some of my favorite, haha - they really help to contextualize the game's themes and imagery within the greater context of the world, as well as highlight the process behind the art and design that we usually take for granted.
One episode I would love to see is on the card Wheel of Fortune - most people probably relate it to the TV show of the same name, but people may be less aware of the connection the version of the card printed far before Alpha as "Wheel of Fortune" is a direct draw from Tarot, as a card that represents a person's dramatic change in circumstance or a turn in luck. I don't have the chops to make this kind of video, but I think there's a lot there with the artistic references to Tarot, the later printings of Wheel of Fate and Misfortune (and great flavor text for the former that was cut, according to Gavin), that I think could make for a great Rhystic Studies deep dive :)
Legit was rewatching all your videos yesterday thanks for the upload
You are one in a million man. As an art nerd who loves magic this hits in all the Right spots!
the chill mood of this glorious video makes me remember why youtube is a worthwile platform to indulge in.
thank you rhystic studies!
It might have been more art history than MtG, but the way you connect the game to so many other things is one of the biggest reasons I tune in for every new video (and rewatch every now and again, too!). Wonderful stuff as always, thanks for doing what you do. ♥
The work of REAL content creators is always worth waiting for. I always learn new things about this game and it’s inspirations because of your work. Thank you 🙏🏽
The Great Wave has always been one of my favourite pieces of art after finding out more about the print block process. I've also played EDH for years. HOW have I never realized this?! Blew my mind, to say the least
Every single one of these videos is awe inspiring. I learn so much and feel so much more connected to the game I love and the people of whom I owe that love and awe. Rhystic Studies almost made me cry with this one. Art is beautiful.
I’m a huge weeb, has been so since I was a kid even before the word weeb existed, and I can’t help myself but to be entranced by japanese art, culture and history, I positively _Love_ ukiyo-e and it’s one of my greatest inspirations as a fairly amateur artist, and I can agree about how for as well, Art is the most defining thing about Magic, more than the plotlines or the mechanics, the stories told inside those tiny cardboard rectangles can evoke entire worlds and emotions.
The japanese magical archives are amazing and I’ve gotten most that I could play in the handful of decks I still own and would love more stuff like that or the new kamigawa secret lair when neo new kamigawa drops next year.
Thank you so much for continuing with this series, it’s one of my absolute favorite pieces of content, not just magic content, but in general.
Your voice is very pleasing to listen to, and your videos are incredibly well made. Thank you for continuing to make content.
I have the great wave in my office at work. Your videos always resonate, but this one especially. Keep up the great work, my friend!
A humble offering to the algorithm, keep up the good work Sam.
i've never played mtg but i still get immense enjoyment out of the quality essays about it
Sam, You do not have to justify yourself in why you felt telling it. Your story telling abilities are great enough to show that to us all in time. Take care.
I've never expected this, but man did I LOVE this video! Thanks a lot Sam! This provides a certain depth for a new Magic player.
Idk much water this holds since im clueless in art and art history, but deep dives in this type of topic is why i have notifications turned on for this channel.
Has a lot of art history... Is connected to magic...
That's why I'm here!
Great job on the video.
I’m an art history major in college! I just watched the intro and I’m already excited.
Thank you for leaving links to so many sources of the things you discussed in the video. Not enough content creators do this!