Written on January 6, 1990 [Permalink]

January 4

Out shopping in the morning, and then after lunch .... printing! Started at about noon, and finished the 50 copies at 11:00 in the evening (with a 10 minute (!) break for dinner). These are definitely the best ones yet. Matsuzaki-san's mini-lesson a couple of months ago, plus Seki-san's new nori, have really made an amazing difference. When I compare these 50 copies with the previous batch of the same design, I'm embarrassed to think that I actually took money from people for those prints! I suppose that by next year, I'll be saying the same thing about this batch. Out of the 50 copies, 49 are OK, and the other one has only the tiniest of defects.

One of the (late) New Year cards in the mail today was from a Mr. Saito in Tokyo, a name and address I didn't recognize. He was suggesting that when my series is finished, we get together and publish a set of 'karuta' based on the prints. I couldn't figure out where I had met him, until Michiyo noticed out address on the front: Tokyo, Hamura, Mr. David Bull, Woodblock printmaker. Of course, he must have seen the TV show last week, which mentioned that I lived in Hamura. I'm glad the Post Office was able to deliver it! I must be getting well-known (we'll see if one day I can receive one addressed to David Bull, Tokyo). I'll drop him a line when I get a minute to establish contact and see iust what he has in mind.

In the evening, prepared 50 sheets for the coming printing of Sarumaru Dayu [1-9].

January 5

In the morning, saw the kids off to the day-care after a 10 day holiday (for them!), and Michiyo off to the station for a 5 or 6 day break (for her!) with some friends in Sendai. The next few days should be interesting, preparing for the exhibition, printing, cooking, cleaning, etc. etc. ...

Ran the sumi on the 50 Sarumaru. Just like the Motosuke print the other day, it is very easy to print, having no detail work on this block. There was some problem with tiny black spots filling up all the corners and thin spaces, and I think that I haven't been straining my sumi properly. Matsusaki-san suggested I use an old sock, but perhaps his socks have a finer weave.

Mr. Higashi (Azuma?), the print fan living in Ome, called in the afternoon, and asked about the address of the gallery. He had read about the exhibition in this morning's Asahi newspaper, but had never heard of the place, and didn't know where to find it. He'll be dropping by next week.

Cut up a pile of cardboard and made shipping folders. I'll need them next week for sending Sarumaru, and I don't think I'll have much time then.

In the evening, finished the colour blocks (I'll need them tomorrow!). Colour printing should normally wait a day following the sumi impression, but I tested one tonight (it's been about 12 hours anyway), and as it looked OK, I printed the 'skirt' on the batch. That'll give me a head start on tomorrow's work.

January 6

A Saturday, so the kids home again (only one day free!). Finished the rest of the colours, as well as the 'light' sumi block with the face and kimono pattern. He looks great! Definitely the best I've ever done yet. Of the 50, I think maybe 2 are probably no good (I haven't inspected them yet).

When did I start this one? December 22nd, the day that NHK came.

That's 16 days start to finish, and included in that time are 50 copies of Ono no Komachi [1-2], and 50 copies of Kiyohara no Motosuke [1-5] printed, as well as the new face block for Motosuke! So, 16 days with no English classes equals: 150 copies printed (of three different prints, one with 11 colours), one print completely carved (with a fairly complex kimono pattern), and some extra fooling around, time with the kids, delivering cards, shopping, cooking, cleaning, etc. Could I get to like this!