Windblown Trees c. 1920

Margaret Patterson made this serene block print, Windblown Trees, using watercolor on paper. Patterson was deeply involved with the Arts and Crafts movement, and this print is a great example of how that aesthetic was translated into printmaking. The image is built up through layers of color, each laid down by hand from a carved block. This process gives the image its distinctive texture. It also requires careful planning and execution, revealing the artist's mastery of the medium, and skill. Patterson’s engagement with the printmaking process lends a tactile quality to the work. These qualities elevate the print beyond mere reproduction, underscoring the value of handmade objects in an era of mass production. We can appreciate it as both a beautiful image and a testament to the enduring appeal of craft traditions.