The Balsam Tree c. 1922

Pamela Bianco made this print, 'The Balsam Tree', using a zinc plate. Look closely and you'll see that the image is built up from thousands of tiny dots. It’s as if Bianco is feeling her way into the image, one touch at a time. The stippling gives the whole thing a hazy, dreamlike quality. The texture is so even and consistent it’s almost hypnotic. Focus on the area where the roots meet the ground. See how the density of the dots creates shadows and volume? The light seems to catch on the rough bark, making the tree feel solid and real. It’s like Bianco is trying to capture not just what the tree looks like, but also how it feels to be in its presence. It reminds me of Seurat, but with a more intimate, personal touch. It's a meditative piece that invites you to slow down and appreciate the subtle beauty of the natural world.