Huskies 1928

Levon West made this etching, titled Huskies, using a metal plate to incise the fine details that create this image. The stark contrast between light and shadow, achieved through the etching process, emphasizes the unforgiving environment. West’s choice of the etching technique is particularly evocative. The incised lines, holding the ink, mimic the harsh lines of the landscape and the struggle for survival in the Arctic. The precision required for etching mirrors the demanding skill and labor involved in Arctic travel and dog sledding, turning what could be a simple landscape into a commentary on human resilience. The image, brought to life through the craft of etching, is a narrative of both the physical and social dimensions of labor. By focusing on the materials and making of the work, we can appreciate the rich textures of the creative process.