Wasps 1920

John Taylor Arms created this print, Wasps, with etching, drypoint, and aquatint, and it's all about process. Look how the planes are caught in these beams of light, almost like pinned specimens! The texture is fascinating. The dark blue almost shimmers, doesn't it? It's like the night sky is made of tiny, individual particles. You can almost feel the burr of the drypoint in those lines, especially on the planes themselves. I am drawn to the way the stark, white beams of light intersect. They are so solid and absolute. They slice through the velvety darkness. It's such a strong contrast and makes me think about how we try to find clarity in uncertain times, but sometimes the light itself can feel harsh and unforgiving. Arms' precision reminds me of Durer, but with a modern, almost unsettling twist. It's a reminder that even in the most precise art forms, there is room for emotional depth and multiple interpretations.