Briefkaart aan Jan Ponstijn en Henriëtte Johanna Petronella van Hilten Possibly 1942 - 1943

This postcard to Jan Ponstijn and Henriëtte Johanna Petronella van Hilten was made by Leo Gestel sometime in 1942. I just love seeing an artist's handwriting, don't you? The marks are so intimate and personal, especially when they're written to someone you love. You can see the artist's hand, the pressure they put on the pen, the way they form each letter. It's like a little window into their mind, a trace of their presence. Gestel is not trying to create some grand statement or masterpiece. Instead, it's a simple, heartfelt expression of connection and affection between friends. I love how the spontaneity and imperfections of the handwriting can be more expressive and moving than any perfectly crafted image or carefully chosen words. We artists are always in conversation, aren't we? Always looking at each other's work, exchanging ideas, and inspiring one another. Gestel's little note shows how acts of love and connection between people can be the seeds of great works of art.