Hamlet 

John Austen created this illustration of Hamlet's Ophelia using pen and ink. The image is all about the push and pull of black and white, solid form and delicate line. Take a look at the foliage and the trees around Ophelia. Notice how the ink creates both dense thickets and sparse open space. This gives the drawing a wonderful sense of depth and texture. Consider the sheer amount of labor that went into this highly detailed, hand-rendered work. Each line had to be carefully placed to create the overall effect, a time-consuming process. Although Austen uses traditional fine art materials, the graphic quality of the print aligns with traditions of illustration and the decorative arts. By engaging with these histories, Austen blurs the lines between different creative practices and elevates the status of craft-based techniques. It shows us that the value of art lies not just in its concept, but also in the skill, time, and effort that goes into its making.