Written on December 20, 1992 [Permalink]

December 20

Not much time for fooling around with this journal these days ... So what's been going on ... the print is finished, and Ashida-san will be here in the morning for the wrapping. Looking back in the records I see that this is one week ahead of last year. With nearly two weeks to go before the end of the month that should hopefully give most people time to clear their account before the end of the year...

The print itself isn't so great. It's very very difficult for me to print on the super thick paper that Yamaguchi-san is sending these days, and I've had enough of it. Asking him each time to make it thinner next time is having no result, so I think I'd better start looking around for another supplier. I'd really hate to have to change at this point, but after bashing all the fine lines on the face of this print trying to get the black hat area smooth ... When I compare these prints with the old copies of Tenji Tenno, made on paper he sent me more than four years ago, I can't believe that the same paper maker made it! I'll try once more, and when we ship his print tommorow, I'll enclose another sample of what I want ...

I've only got the first batch (of 70) printed, and when Michiyo is home next week, I've got to start catching up on the second printings of three of the four most recent prints. But with this one now ready for shipping, at least the pressure is off. I'll have to start getting the exhibition together, do a new pamphlet, put out some more P/R material, write the spring newsletter, prepare for next year's first print, and take care of a few other odds and ends, but with no specific deadlines getting close, I should be able to relax a bit for the next month or so.

Yesterday and today have been New Year's card printing, my once a year 'bokashi' practice. (At least here, with 10 or so overprintings, the thick paper is an asset ...) They should be ready to go by Tuesday. Michiyo should be back the day after that, and of course that will give me even more time free ... Roll on the holidays!