Corn Husking in the Mountains 1951 - 1952

Clare Leighton made this wood engraving, "Corn Husking in the Mountains," using knives and gouges to carve into the block, a real process of removal and reduction. The stark contrast of black and white creates a dramatic visual impact. Look at how Leighton uses dense, rhythmic lines to define forms and textures. The undulating lines on the hills in the background give a sense of depth and movement, while the intricate patterns on the corn stalks add a tactile quality. Notice the figure on the right: See how the lines of the skirt are etched to give an almost topographic sense of the folds of the fabric? Leighton’s choice of wood engraving lends a certain graphic quality to the image that reminds me of the German Expressionist woodcuts of artists like Kathe Kollwitz, where the medium itself becomes part of the emotional message. Just like those works, Leighton's print invites us to think about the relationship between labor, landscape, and the human condition. It’s a reminder that art is an ongoing dialogue, each artist building upon the ideas of those who came before.