Bethesda 1876 - 1885

Joel Ballin created this print called 'Bethesda' using etching, a process that brings us face-to-face with the labor of art. The image is rich in detail, from the textures of the clothing to the reflection in the water, which is achieved through a painstaking method of incising lines into a metal plate, inking it, and pressing it onto paper. This was no quick digital rendering. The printmaking technique involved physical effort and careful skill, reflecting a pre-industrial work ethic. It's fascinating to consider the countless hours Ballin spent manipulating tools and materials to create this artwork. The finished product embodies the convergence of technique, material, and the artist's intentionality. Examining the process allows us to see the art not just as an image, but as a testament to the artist's skill, hard work, and engagement with the material world. It encourages us to reconsider the conventional separation between fine art and craft.