Boys Fishing in the Canal c. 1935 - 1943

Minnie Lois Murphy made this print of boys fishing in a canal. I imagine her hand guiding the tool, carving away at the block to reveal this scene. The lines and textures create such a detailed scene of urban life. I wonder what it was like for her, translating the world around her into these distinct marks. The contrast between light and shadow really pops, emphasizing the forms of the figures and the details of the landscape. I’m drawn to the way she renders the water, those concentric ripples suggesting a world beneath the surface. Looking at this print, I feel connected to Murphy and all the artists who have found ways to capture the everyday moments. It’s a reminder that art isn’t just about grand gestures; it’s about seeing and sharing the beauty in the ordinary, the quiet moments of life.