Snakes c. 1945

Flora Blanc Reeder made this etching of snakes sometime in the 20th century. You know, when I look at this, I think about how art making is a process of layering and entanglement, much like these snakes themselves, intertwined and knotted together. The texture here is really something; it’s got this sort of gritty, almost tactile feel, doesn't it? I wonder what kind of tools she used to get that effect. If you look closely, you can see the different patterns on each snake - cross hatching and little stars. It's so interesting how these simple marks create depth and movement. Looking at this, I can't help but think of the prints of Josef Albers. Not because they look similar, but because they both show how limiting your materials can push you to be more creative. Art is always a conversation, right? It’s about how artists respond to and build on what came before, always finding new ways to see the world.