Untitled (Mother and Child) c. 1930

This is a woodcut print of a mother and child by Lydia Gibson. The whole scene has been carved out using simple, clean lines. I can imagine Gibson working away at the wood, cutting around the shapes to create the contrast between black and white. It makes me think of Paula Modersohn-Becker and other early expressionist printmakers—I wonder if Gibson was looking at their work? The way the mother is gazing down at the child with such tenderness is really beautiful. The child almost seems to be floating in her lap, surrounded by the flowing fabric of her dress. It is like a scene of pure love. The window in the background also seems so hopeful, with the light shining through. This print is about love, care, and new beginnings, and I am grateful to the artist for showing us this.