Wood Carving c. 1943

This wood carving, by Clayton Clements, shows how much you can do with a simple material. The shades and tones of brown create a complex visual experience. You get a real sense of the texture of the wood, almost like you could reach out and feel the grain. The artist’s hand is really present. Take a look at the lines in the center, they give the work a sense of depth. There's an almost rhythmic quality in how these marks are carved. You can imagine Clements working away, letting the material guide him. It reminds me of some of the folk art I've seen, where the process is as important as the final product. It’s not about perfection, but about the act of making. It leaves you wondering how our experiences shape our understanding of the world.