Hmm, I have not been working on the web-site like I intended of late. I do have a bad cold which has really come at an inconvenient time (when is being ill ever convenient).
I have been keeping moderately busy with learning to how make iPhone software. All going well, some applications could be on the iPhone app store in the New Year.I am working freelance again and rather busy getting some projects happening. I have been discussing various projects by phone, email and in person. I hope to get some definite idea sooner than later which projects are actually going to be "real".
I have also been working on a short film idea. It is going to be quite a low budget/ no budget short to begin with. Ideally, some acquaintances will do the acting. It is quite enjoyable to apply myself to this and has been a long time coming. But I need to have the money side of things bringing money in first.
It is a balancing act making a living and pursuing creative goals.
Culture
Last week on Dec. 15th, I went to see a demonstration of Japanese Wood block printing at the British Museum.
Using traditional techniques, a print of the "Great Wave" by Hokusai was made. It was quite something to see the process of print making in action. The original image came about in the early 1800's and a print would have cost the equivalent of a few bowls of noodles. Now, such a print costs bout 13,000 yen which is about £100.00. I would like to get a print eventually.
I was intrigued by the process; Hokusai made the original illustration on which the print was made from. The original illustration would no longer exist as it was used to make the designs for the print. I think there was about 5 layers in the final print. Over the period of about an hour the craftsman made 5 prints during the demonstration.
It is one of my favourite images. The stylised look of the wave is quite strong. Water is an interesting subject to draw with a pen. Real waves don't look like this but this depiction shows force and motion. Would you agree?
http://www.adachi-hanga.com/
I must mention that the "Great Wave" is actually part of a larger series called "Thirty six views of Mount Fuji". The series was so successful that an additional 10 images were added.
More information at the British Musuem
