Duizend grassen, deel 2 1901

This is *Duizend grassen, deel 2* by Kamisaka Sekka, made in Japan, and its method involves woodblock printing. The muted palette of grey-greens and off-whites makes me think of morning mist, or dusk settling over a field. Look at how the birds are rendered – not with heavy outlines, but with delicate, almost hesitant strokes that feel both precise and open to suggestion. There's a wonderful dance between what is defined and what is left to the imagination, which is a process I love in my own work. The texture of the paper itself becomes part of the piece, adding a layer of depth and a subtle graininess that softens the whole image. Notice the way the ink seems to sit on the surface, creating a slight relief, as if the birds are just about to take flight. Artists like James McNeill Whistler come to mind, similarly interested in capturing fleeting moments and atmospheric effects with a restrained hand. It's all about the conversation between artists across time, isn’t it? We’re all just riffing off each other, trying to make sense of the world in our own way.