Today's postings

  1. [Baren 42809] Re: Woodblock museum in China ... ("Phillip Bivins")
  2. [Baren 42810] Harrowing of Hell (Eileen Corder)
  3. [Baren 42811] ... and he gradually gave up his dream. (Mark)
  4. [Baren 42812] Fw: ... and he gradually gave up his dream. (Barbara Mason)
  5. [Baren 42813] Re: Fw: ... and he gradually gave up his dream. (David Bull)
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Message 1
From: "Phillip Bivins"
Date: Sat, 19 Feb 2011 16:59:26 GMT
Subject: [Baren 42809] Re: Woodblock museum in China ...
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I agree with your assessment Dave. All I can say is, "When I win the
lottery, I'm gonna......................"
Phil
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Message 2
From: Eileen Corder
Date: Sat, 19 Feb 2011 17:16:26 GMT
Subject: [Baren 42810] Harrowing of Hell
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Harry,

You've added flesh and blood to stone. Absolutely divine! You are back in
your element. Yaah!

Thank you for posting this print and the photos of the cathedral. You are
lucky to be so near the minds of inspired souls.

Namaste,
Eileen
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Message 3
From: Mark
Date: Sat, 19 Feb 2011 20:56:14 GMT
Subject: [Baren 42811] ... and he gradually gave up his dream.
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I have just read a fascinating article about a man who at one time had a heartfelt dream to pursue. But due to the aftermath of World War II, changes had to be made - and a different path was pursued.
Here is an amazing story about a young man who had wanted to become a woodblock carver for woodblock prints... Mr. Ichibei Iwano..., but gradually gave up on his dream.
http://www.kougei.or.jp/english/crafts/1004/d1004-5.html

As an additional treat, I came across a fairly recent video interview of Mr. Iwano (happily, with English subtitles). If you are able to use an HD setting at full screen for this video (by TAKIPAPERTV), then I recommend it. You can actually see the water vapor from his breath (cold day) as he demonstrates making paper - TWO sheets at a time! - and answers all kinds of questions. You'll love it!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UG9EMhwvRhI

BTW, it is very sad to think about anyone having to give up on a dream (we can only imagine what his skill would have been); but in its own way it might be said: the print-world's great loss... has become the print-world's great gain.

Mark
k
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Message 4
From: Barbara Mason
Date: Sun, 20 Feb 2011 00:07:07 GMT
Subject: [Baren 42812] Fw: ... and he gradually gave up his dream.
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Mark,
thanks for sending this on,.... It does not mention his sons taking over so we
will lose this wonderful paper one day soon...very sad, but on the other hand,
what a wonderful thing to be the very best at what you do. That must be a great
feeling indeed. He just quietly keeps making paper, day after day. Makes me feel
like a real slacker!
My best
Barbara
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Message 5
From: David Bull
Date: Sun, 20 Feb 2011 00:13:25 GMT
Subject: [Baren 42813] Re: Fw: ... and he gradually gave up his dream.
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> .. It does not mention his sons taking over so we will lose this
> wonderful paper one day soon...

Iwano-san's son - Jun Iwano - is right there working with him (and
also appears in the video at one point). There seems to be no concern
about 'succession' at present.

Remember, it's also very much a 'family workshop'; it's not just
Ichibei-san who is making the paper, and I suspect that at his age
now, he probably isn't making all that much of it himself. The 'Iwano
paper' we have in the Mall (and which I use myself) is the house
'brand'; just who actually dipped each sheet we never know.

Nice link!

Dave