Flat Shapes 1952

Clyde Wood made this print, Flat Shapes, at an unknown date, though you can see he signed and dated it '52 at the bottom. Look closely, and you will see it’s made up of tiny, almost pointillist marks. For me, this immediately speaks of process; of building something slowly, bit by bit, with patience and care. The texture here is everything. The surface is alive with tiny variations, like looking at a field of wildflowers. The colors, muted and earthy, add to this sense of organic growth. Notice that little black lozenge nestled between the shapes? It's such a small element, but it creates a focal point, drawing the eye and adding a touch of mystery. It reminds me of a comma, or a pause in a sentence, inviting us to linger and consider what we're seeing. There's something almost childlike about the simplicity of the shapes. I’m reminded of Joan Miro’s playful surrealism, that same sense of freedom and experimentation. It’s a great example of how art doesn’t always need to be loud or flashy. Sometimes, the quietest voices have the most to say.