Doucement 1980

John Dowell made this print, Doucement, using lithography, a printing process that relies on the resistance between grease and water. Dowell has used a blue stone, likely limestone, to create this artwork. The artist draws on the stone's surface with a greasy crayon or tusche, which is then treated with a chemical etch to fix the image. The stone is then wetted, and printing ink, which is also greasy, adheres only to the drawn areas. When paper is pressed against the stone, the image is transferred. Dowell’s choice of lithography imbues the artwork with social and cultural significance. The medium allows for the creation of subtle tonal variations and textures, creating a contemplative mood. The marks have a delicate quality, almost like whispers on the surface of the deep blue ground. It invites us to slow down and contemplate the quiet beauty of simple gestures. Dowell's work bridges fine art and craft, inviting us to see the value in both the process and the final artwork.