The World of Japanese Woodblock Printing

After an early career in music as a performer, composer, conductor, and instrument maker, Canadian Dave Bull worked in the field of microcomputers before taking up woodblock printing.  During a trip to Japan in 1981 he visited printmakers and acquired enough knowledge to study independently until 1986 when the tutelage of professional printmaker helped him to advance and refine his art.  The completion of a 10-year project reproducing Katsukawa Shunsho’s illustrations of the famous 100 poets of old Japan brought him national attention and he became a full-time woodblock printmaker.  Subsequent series include Surimono Albums, Beauties of Four Season, Hanga Treasure Chest, My Solitudes and others.  Now under the ‘Mokuhankan’ publishing venture he works with other craftsmen, five apprentice printers, as well as other professional printers and a carver.