#1 Blake Series 1935

This is #1 Blake Series, a woodcut print made by Winifred Milius Lubell in 1935. I can picture Lubell working on this, carefully carving away at the woodblock. It's a slow, deliberate process. You have to be careful to get the details right. Look how she’s created this boy's gaze, direct and a little haunting. The strong contrast between black and white gives the image a dramatic intensity. The lines are thick and bold, creating a sense of depth and texture. I notice the patterned background too. It’s almost like a cage, heightening the emotional tension. It makes me think of other artists who have explored the themes of childhood and innocence, like Paula Rego. There’s a shared sense of vulnerability and unease. When we look at a painting, we’re not just seeing an image. We’re entering into a conversation with the artist, and with all the artists who have come before.