Old Wharves of San Francisco 1920

John Winkler made this etching called "Old Wharves of San Francisco," and it's all about the magic of lines. It feels so process-oriented; you can practically see him drawing, scratching those lines into the metal plate. There’s this incredible layering of marks, a real sense of depth created by the density of lines in some areas and the sparse, delicate touches in others. The way he renders the buildings on the hill, it’s almost like a controlled chaos. Look at the randomness of the lines forming the planks in the foreground; it’s so free. It feels like he’s embracing imperfection. It reminds me of Piranesi, who was great at creating atmosphere, or maybe some of those early 20th-century American etchers who were capturing the gritty urban landscape. But Winkler brings a uniquely personal touch. It's a reminder that art isn't about perfection but about embracing the possibilities.