Oehoe 1934 - 1936

Leo Gestel made this drawing of an owl using pen and ink. It’s a simple pairing of materials, yet the artist coaxes a remarkable range of tones and textures from them. Look closely at the marks that describe the owl’s plumage. Notice the countless tiny strokes, layered and cross-hatched to create the illusion of depth and volume. Gestel is not just depicting an owl; he is also revealing the patient, repetitive labor involved in the drawing process. The varying directions of each pen stroke create an almost palpable sense of the artist’s hand moving across the page. The interplay between the stark black ink and the white paper also adds to the drawing’s impact. The contrast is sharp, creating a sense of drama and intensity, with the owl emerging from the blank page, assertive and commanding. By emphasizing the labor and materiality of the drawing, Gestel elevates it beyond a mere representation of an animal. He invites us to consider the skill and effort that go into the making of art, blurring the boundaries between craft and fine art.