Katten 1906 - 1945

Reijer Stolk made this sketch of 'Katten' with pencil on paper, and what strikes me is how economical the lines are. It's all about the essence of 'catness,' distilled down to these graceful contours. Look at the cat curled up; it's practically a spiral, a testament to the animal's flexibility and the artist’s ability to capture movement with so little. The pressure of the pencil varies, giving a sense of depth and shadow even in this minimal composition. You can almost feel the softness of their fur and the casual way they hold their bodies. It reminds me a bit of Matisse's line drawings – that same love for the simple, elegant curve. It’s like Stolk is having a conversation with the paper, letting the pencil dance and discover the form as it goes. Ultimately, it’s about finding the extraordinary in the ordinary, seeing the world with fresh eyes, and trusting the process of making.