Written on September 21, 1990 [Permalink]

September 16

Felt better today, and finished off the last block. Didn't make any paper wet, as it'll be off to Tokyo tomorrow for plane tickets, leaving no time to finish printing before classes start this week. There's no rush on the printing anyway, as this one is weeks ahead of the actual delivery schedule.

September 17

Bought the plane tickets - 499,700 yen! This will get the five of us to LA, and then back from Vancouver. LA to Vancouver isn't included, and we're planning to do it by train, if there is such a route.

In the afternoon, started work on the shelves and stuff for the inside of the shipping box. It looks a bit scrappy, but I think it should work pretty well. Everything's going inside, and I sure hope the airlines don't lose it!

Michiyo phoned our two block suppliers, Shimano-san and Aoyama Shoten in Kyoto, to see what was happening. No chance in Kyoto, as he has been sick, and orders a backed up to 'here'. Shimano-san says he'll be able to send one (one!) soon. This could really get serious soon. If Aoyama-san retires (he's 80-odd), all the Kyoto carvers will turn to Shimano-san, putting even more pressure on my supply. I'd like to be building a stockpile, but that's impossible with the limited amount that he is shipping us. Maybe when I get 'real famous'. I will be able to publicize the problem a bit, and see what develops.

September 18

Finished off the shelves in the box. All I need now is a chunk of soft foam to fit in the middle of the box to hold everything from rattling 'round when it's being shipped. In Canada, there was a foam shop near our apartment, but there seems to be no such place here.

Also went to the photo shop and picked up the multiple copies of the PR pictures that Michiyo took last week. Ran off and mailed out 20 copies of a little flyer to various newspapers and magazines, none of whom were among those who responded last year. The media people who we met last year are all on the mailing list to receive the newsletter (whenever it's ready!).

September 19

60 sheets wet in the evening for a run of Ise no Taifu.

September 20

Sumi on the 60, during the afternoon break between classes. No problems. I find it hard to remember how difficult this was, even just a year ago. I've got a drawer full of the reject prints right from the beginning of Tenji Tenno printing. When I study them now, it's so obvious what the problem was (not using enough sumi!) that I can't believe I couldn't see it at the time.

September 21

A long day. Started the colours in the morning, and finished at 6 in the afternoon, just in time to start evening classes (6:30 'till 11:00). She looks great. I found good colours this time, going back to Matsuzaki-san's original proof of Tenji Tenno for ideas. 57 of the 60 are OK. This one has a lot of colours (11), but as most of them are very small areas, the printing goes quickly. This is the one that I'd like to use for the demonstrations this fall (only two pieces of wood easy to carry!)

A phone call today from Aki-san, the customer in Okayama. She says that she's got enough prints, and would like to stop. That cuts us down to 26.