The Print Maker 1954

Clarence E. Sherdon's 'The Print Maker' seems to have been created with a woodcutting knife and ochre ink. Looking at this self-portrait, I wonder about Clarence's dedication to his craft. I mean, look at the concentration in those eyes. They seem to be fixed on the task at hand. He must have been a real craftsman, totally at one with his tools and materials. I can almost feel the texture of the wood under his hand, the slight resistance as he carves away with focused intention. The image feels like a snapshot of Sherdon in his element, lost in the act of creation. It makes me think about how artists are constantly in conversation, each one building upon the ideas and techniques of those who came before. And how art, at its best, is about embracing the unknown and letting the process guide you to unexpected places.