The Sea, Oregon Coast 1993

Gordon Waverly Gilkey made this etching, "The Sea, Oregon Coast" in 1943, and what strikes me first is the way he's thought about mark-making as a process. The image is built from many small, deliberate marks. Look closely and you will see each one contributes to a sense of depth and texture, conjuring the rugged coastline and the relentless energy of the sea. The surface is rich with detail, the result of an etching process that allows for a high degree of control. The eye is drawn to the white of the wave crashing against the cliffs, where the contrast is sharpest. This area serves as a focal point, a burst of energy amidst the quieter tones of the sea and sky. Notice the way the light is rendered, almost as if the artist is sculpting with ink. The piece resonates with the work of other printmakers and painters who capture the sublime power of nature, like Whistler. It's a reminder that art is always in conversation, building on what came before and opening up new possibilities.