Dave Bull Carves Hokusai's Picture Book of Everything | Curator's Corner S8 Ep6 #CuratorsCorner

Summary

David Ball, a woodblock printmaker in Tokyo, shares his journey of transforming previously unpublished Hokusai drawings into prints. Inspired by a British Museum acquisition, he proposes to recreate these sketches using traditional techniques. Ball plans to produce twelve prints, selecting designs from four thematic groups. While maintaining the craftsmanship of the Edo period, he adapts modern technology by working with high-resolution scans of the original drawings. This project not only revives Hokusai's work but also allows his team to explore original artistry, culminating in a blend of historical and contemporary printmaking.

Takeaways

• 😀 David Ball is a woodblock printmaker based in Tokyo, specializing in both traditional and contemporary prints.
• 🎨 His workshop creates replicas of old designs and collaborates with modern artists to produce new works.
• 🖌️ A significant project involves turning original sketches by Katsushika Hokusai into woodblock prints after over a century.
• 📜 The British Museum holds high-resolution scans of Hokusai's sketches, which will be used instead of the originals for the project.
• 🔨 The printing process involves traditional techniques, including preparing designs, carving, and printing, reminiscent of Edo period methods.
• 👨‍👩‍👦 David is working with two other carvers, blending their styles to produce a set of twelve prints from various themes in Hokusai's work.
• 🖋️ Each carver's unique interpretation will lead to variations in the prints, showcasing the collaborative aspect of the project.
• 🕯️ Minimal technology is used, with tools and materials closely resembling those from Hokusai's time, preserving the art form's authenticity.
• 🌳 The cherry wood and washi paper used are traditional, with only minor modern adjustments for stability and efficiency.
• 🚀 The first print is completed and distributed, with additional prints currently in various stages of production.

Q & A

Who is David Ball and what is his profession?

David Ball is a woodblock printmaker based in Tokyo, specializing in creating and selling woodblock prints.

What inspired David Ball to take on the project related to Hokusai's drawings?

Ball was inspired by a newspaper article about the British Museum acquiring a collection of drawings by Hokusai that were intended for woodblock prints but had never been completed.

How does David Ball plan to approach the creation of prints from Hokusai's original sketches?

Ball plans to create a set of twelve prints by collaborating with three carvers, selecting three designs from four thematic groups, and using high-resolution scans of Hokusai's drawings.

What are the four thematic groups of prints that David Ball intends to create?

The four thematic groups are: the early roots of Buddhism, Chinese legends, the natural world, and miscellaneous images.

What challenges does Ball face in replicating Hokusai's drawings?

One major challenge is that the original drawings cannot be used directly because they would be destroyed during the carving process. Instead, Ball will work from high-resolution scans provided by the British Museum.

How does the modern woodblock printing process differ from the historical techniques used during Hokusai's time?

While the core techniques and tools have remained largely unchanged, modern adaptations like plywood cores in woodblocks improve stability and printing efficiency without compromising quality.

Why does Ball believe this project is significant for contemporary woodblock carvers?

The project allows contemporary carvers to engage with original Hokusai drawings rather than just replicating existing prints, providing a unique opportunity to interpret and carve from the artist's original work.

What is the expected outcome of Ball's project with respect to the art of woodblock printing?

The outcome is to create a set of high-quality prints that faithfully translate Hokusai's original designs while showcasing the collaborative effort and unique styles of the carvers involved.

What materials and tools does Ball's workshop utilize to maintain traditional woodblock printing methods?

Ball's workshop uses traditional tools, including steel knives similar to those from the 1800s, cherry wood, and washi paper made from mulberry, to preserve the historical authenticity of the prints.

What is the current status of the print project as of March 2023?

As of March 2023, the first print has been completed and distributed, while the second print is in the final stages of production and additional prints are still being carved.