Goldfish c. 1928 - 1930

Soseki Komori made this woodblock print of goldfish sometime between 1920 and 1930. Look closely at the way he built up the image, layer by layer, carving the block, inking it, then pressing it onto the paper, creating subtle variations in texture. You can see the grain of the wood and feel the rhythm of the process. I wonder if Soseki felt a bit like those goldfish, navigating the currents of the art world, trying to find his own path? The tails especially are so expressive, flowing and ethereal. You know, painting is kind of like swimming, too. You have to trust your instincts, let go of control, and allow yourself to be carried by the medium. The colors here, that light blue and warm red, evoke a sense of calm and vibrancy, like a secret world beneath the surface. Think about the dialogue between artists across time and place. How might Soseki's work speak to someone like Matisse, who also loved to play with color and form? It's all part of the conversation, and a great reminder that art is an ongoing process of discovery.