Forest Scene 1810 - 1867

Johann Hermann Carmiencke made this Forest Scene using graphite and gray wash on paper. At first glance, it seems simple, but look closer at the qualities of the drawing. The graphite marks vary in pressure and thickness, creating a range of tonal values. The gray wash adds depth and dimension, layering shadows to evoke a sense of atmosphere. Notice how the artist's hand guides the graphite pencil and brush, coaxing the texture of tree bark and the delicate tracery of branches from the paper. The making of art, like forestry, can be seen as a process of cultivation. The marks and strokes that build up the image, and the skill and tradition involved in this process of drawing, are just as important as the image itself. By focusing on materials and making, we appreciate the labor and skill involved in the creative process, blurring the lines between art and craft.