Interior with Bottles 1949

Fannie Hillsmith made this print, "Interior with Bottles" using etching. Look closely, and you’ll see how the tonal range is built up through a network of lines, creating a surface that feels both solid and porous. It's about the push and pull of darks and lights, a sort of visual dance. The etched lines gives a tactile presence to the objects depicted, creating a composition that is both abstract and representational. Note the bold black tear drop motif, the way it anchors the image. It also acts as a window, offering a glimpse into another space or state of mind. Hillsmith’s print reminds me of other artists like Louise Bourgeois, who also embraced printmaking as a means to explore themes of memory, desire, and the complexities of human relationships. It’s all about embracing the unexpected, and allowing the process to guide you.