Notitie 1874 - 1925

This is a page from a sketchbook, by Jan Veth, and it’s a work made with everyday materials: paper and ink. The visible texture of the page reveals a history of use; you can see smudges and stains. Veth’s written notes, penned in ink, offer insight into his thoughts, and the process of his wider artistic practice. The act of writing itself is a manual skill, connecting mind and hand. It shows a direct translation of thought into material form. The deliberate act of recording ideas, observations, and reflections within the pages of a notebook, shows the importance of capturing fleeting thoughts and moments. This is a kind of labor, and it highlights the value of craft-based and creative processes in artistic production. The social context of this notebook reflects broader trends in artistic practice and intellectual life. It suggests that by focusing on materials, making, and context, we can gain a more nuanced understanding of the intersections between art, labor, and society.