Sluis en aangemeerde boten bij Dedham Possibly 1913 - 1917

Editor: So, here we have "Sluis en aangemeerde boten bij Dedham," or "Lock and Moored Boats at Dedham," a drawing from Alexander Shilling, probably made between 1913 and 1917. The simple pencil and ink work give it such a casual, off-the-cuff feel. What stands out to you about this particular sketch? Curator: What immediately captivates me is the *lightness* of touch. It feels as though Shilling is almost whispering onto the page. You know, he's not trying to shout the landscape, just gently suggesting its presence, almost like a memory fading in and out. Look at how the trees in the background barely exist, while the boats in the foreground have more weight. Do you feel that creates a kind of... dreamlike hierarchy? Editor: Definitely, it's like some things are just more important to the memory than others. I suppose that prioritization makes it feel intimate, like looking through someone's personal sketchbook. Curator: Precisely! This is Shilling letting us into his inner world. Maybe this scene held a particular significance for him? Maybe it was a moment of peace in a chaotic time, reflected in the tranquil waters and gently moored boats. Notice how the simplicity doesn't diminish the emotional impact; it heightens it. What do you think? Editor: I totally see that now. It's easy to miss that depth at first glance, thinking it’s *just* a sketch. It is more reflective, with something unspoken simmering below the surface. Thanks, I wouldn't have picked that up on my own. Curator: That's the beauty of art, isn't it? We bring our own experiences to it and, hopefully, leave with a slightly expanded view of the world. This piece invites you to find your own stillness, too, to find the beauty in the everyday.