Written on April 28, 1990 [Permalink]

April 18

Spent the morning printing the colours on the 14 sheets, with no problems. This gives me the needed number of prints, and I can now move on to the next one, Abe no Nakamaro [2-3].

Off to Tokyo in the evening, for the annual meeting of the printmaker's 'kumiai', or trade association. The meeting itself wasn't so interesting, as I had expected, but my real purpose in going was obviously to meet more carvers and printers, and that I did. There were about 25 of them there, and I was introduced to quite a few of them, including Okura Hambei, who I had heard of before, and who was generally acclaimed as the top living carver. I haven't had much luck getting into Ito-san's place to watch him work, so maybe I should try and see what I can accomplish with Mr. Hambei. I'm not overly concerned about their 'ranking', as I could learn plenty from either of them ...

Of course I took some prints, and when they were shown around, the comments were very favorable. I had also taken a copy of next month's hanshita, with the tissue paper laminated to copy paper, and they were very interested in that.

As things turned out, I didn't become a member of the group, as they seemed more interested in treating me as a 'guest', but I found out about some kind of meeting coming up next month, and somebody said that I could attend. We'll see where this all leads

April 19~23

An unexpected five-day 'vacation' from both classes and printmaking, as Michiyo's father died on the morning of the 19th (Fumi's birthday). All the services, cremation, my trip to Mie-ken to bury him, etc. took until the evening of the 23rd. We were incredibly lucky that a South American friend of Michiyo's had come Wednesday evening for a 10-day visit, and he and his wife were able to baby sit while we ran around, busy with all the various arrangements. Although not a happy occasion, it was certainly interesting.

April 24

Back to work. English class in the evening, but before that - the first carving on Nakamaro [2-3]. The kimono pattern is going to drive me crazy! It's the 'worst' one since Asatada last summer, with seemingly endlessly repeated tight little curlicues and circles. At least there aren't going to be many colour blocks, and the printing should be a breeze.

April 26

After the last english class at night, prepared 40 sheets for some printing. I've got to start catching up with printing more of last year's stuff, as Ashida-san is waiting to make up some sets. There are no copies of Horikawa [1-8], Asatada [1-7], or Semi Maru [1-4] left. This weekend it'll be Horikawa's turn.

April 27

A phone call from Morimoto-san, who received her copy of Dainagon Kinto [1-10] this month, along with our letter asking if she wanted to continue for another year. No go. That makes two people who have asked to stop after receiving their first ten. She was the first of the people who had learned about us from 'Foto' magazine last year.

Printed the sumi on the 40 sheets, and continued carving the kimono patterns.

April 28

Printed the colours on Horikawa. I'm still puzzled by what colours to use for this one. None of the different trials have seemed suitable, and this time I went back to the combination that I used when she was first carved, but I'm still not happy about it.

Golden Week

Carving. (there's nothing else to add!)