Saint Kevin and the Wild Creatures c. 20th century

Curator: Here we have Robert John Gibbings' wood engraving, "Saint Kevin and the Wild Creatures" from the collection of the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It’s a little haven, isn't it? Makes me think of quiet mornings, sunlight dappled through leaves, the sort of peace you only find in solitude. Curator: The printmaking process itself is very telling. Gibbings' meticulous carving would have demanded considerable time and physical effort, mirroring Saint Kevin's own disciplined existence. Editor: Absolutely. I get the feeling that everything here breathes in harmony. The birds on the branches, the monk in the distance, the mice scurrying below—all part of the same tapestry. Curator: Gibbings was deeply involved in the revival of wood engraving. His work represents a larger movement questioning mass production, valuing handcraft, and promoting sustainable practices. Editor: It’s more than just a picture; it’s a sanctuary. A reminder that even in the busiest life, there's always a space for quiet reflection. Curator: Indeed. Gibbings offers a moment to consider the ethics of labor, the value of craft, and our interconnectedness within a larger ecosystem.