Illustration for Ilarie Voronca's "Plante și animale” 1929

This pen and ink drawing by Constantin Brâncuși illustrates Ilarie Voronca's "Plante și animale”. It’s all done with such economy, such simplicity. Look at those tiny flowers—just a few quick strokes and circles, yet they’re full of life. Imagine Brâncuși, the great sculptor, taking a break from his monumental forms to draw this tiny world. What was he thinking about? Maybe he wanted to get back to basics. The way he draws the snail reminds me of a child’s drawing, pure and unpretentious. Those floating lozenge shapes in the sky feel so light and airy, like thoughts drifting across the page. It’s amazing how a few simple lines can suggest so much. This drawing is a reminder that creativity can be found in the most humble of subjects. It makes me think about all the ways artists influence each other, across time and medium, creating an ongoing conversation. It’s all connected, isn’t it?