Submarines in Port 1917

Joseph Pennell made this drawing, Submarines in Port, with a stick of graphite, teasing out depth and form with a flurry of layered lines. I imagine him outside, looking at the scene, quickly sketching and trying to capture the atmosphere of the port. There's a sense of immediacy and intimacy in the drawing, as if we're standing right there beside Pennell, watching as the scene unfolds before us. I can almost feel the sea breeze and hear the sounds of the harbor. It reminds me that, as artists, we're always in conversation with one another, building upon the ideas and techniques of those who came before us. The act of creation is messy, uncertain, and full of surprises. But it's also incredibly rewarding, allowing us to connect with something bigger than ourselves and make something new.