Witnekkraanvogel 1927

This woodcut, Witnekkraanvogel, was made by Samuel Jessurun de Mesquita, a Dutch artist who lived from 1868 to 1944. I find myself thinking about the artist making the many small cuts into the block of wood with various tools, each mark a deliberate choice that builds up into the final image of a white-necked crane. The stark contrast between black and white creates a sort of vibration. The bird stands in a dark pool of water represented by parallel lines, and it’s fascinating how such simple shapes can evoke a whole scene. De Mesquita’s work often features animals, and I imagine him observing these creatures closely, trying to capture their essence, their posture, and their character. The process of carving is so physical, so tactile. It's a way of knowing something deeply, not just seeing it. Painters and printmakers are constantly in conversation. They exchange ideas through time, inspiring one another's creativity. Each mark is a kind of question, and each work is a kind of answer that continues to evolve.