TOM c. 1940

William Parker Abbe made this little woodcut, "TOM," sometime in the 20th century, and it’s a great example of how to do a lot with a little. The whole thing is black and white, super graphic and bold, and it's fascinating how he coaxes so much information with so few marks. Look at how he uses the white of the paper to define the shapes. The face in particular – that simple outline is all it takes to bring a whole personality to life. And then there's the way he suggests texture with those tiny, controlled marks. It’s like a little world built out of contrasts, full of subtle nuances. It reminds me a bit of some of the early 20th-century printmakers, like the German Expressionists, who were also using bold, graphic styles to convey emotion, although maybe with a touch more angst. But ultimately, "TOM" is its own thing, a testament to the power of simplicity and the magic that can happen when an artist really understands their materials.