Sphere Surface with Fish 1958

M.C. Escher made this drawing, *Sphere Surface with Fish*, with pencil and paper. Just imagine the act of drawing all those perfect little squares! I can really sympathize with Escher's patience, and what it must have been like to create such a precise sphere. Each square seems identical, but of course, they are not. It’s the slight distortion of each that gives the illusion of three-dimensional space. And it’s that slight wobble of the artist’s hand, the miniscule imperfection, that makes this an artwork, rather than a diagram. The gesture of the hand can communicate feeling, intention, or meaning. This piece relates to Escher’s wider practice, where he explored mathematical relationships and impossible spaces. And, you know, artists are in an ongoing conversation. Escher's careful consideration of surface and space inspires and influences many other artists. Embracing ambiguity allows for multiple interpretations. What do you see?