Untitled (Playing Checkers) c. 1930

William Soles created this print, "Untitled (Playing Checkers)," using a woodcut technique. This is a relief printing process, where the artist carves away areas of a woodblock, leaving a raised design that will be inked and printed. The stark contrast between black and white emphasizes the textures and forms within the scene, from the rough-hewn walls to the men’s clothing, their faces etched with character. This image tells us a great deal about the rural setting that is likely being portrayed. The woodcut medium itself carries social significance. It’s a technique historically accessible to a wide range of practitioners, not requiring specialized equipment beyond carving tools and a press. The labor-intensive process, in contrast to industrial methods, imbues the print with a sense of handmade authenticity, a direct connection to the artist's hand and the world they depict. Looking at this woodcut, we are reminded that art is not just about the image, but also about the materials, the making, and the context from which it emerges.