Kale boom 1919

Julie de Graag made this woodcut print, "Kale boom," with ink on paper. Isn't it fascinating how she coaxes a whole scene out of what’s removed, the negative space? I imagine De Graag, intensely focused, carving away at the wood, each cut a deliberate act. You can see the rhythm of the knife, the way it digs in and pulls away. Look at the tree's branches, so intricate and spidery. What was she thinking about as she made it? I love how a print can feel so physical, so immediate. The texture is almost palpable. And while it may look simple, the effect is quietly stunning; it draws you into a contemplative space. There's something comforting about the tree, too, sturdy and calm amidst the energy around it. I think artists are always building on each other's work, taking notes from the past and remixing them for the present. It’s like one big, ongoing conversation. Ultimately, this piece is a reminder that art is about feeling and seeing the world in new ways.