Paper Making c. 1935 - 1943

Charles Reed Gardner made this etching, "Paper Making," sometime in the mid-twentieth century. The lines are so deliberate and meticulous, it’s almost like he’s building the scene before our eyes. Look at the way he renders the light filtering through the window, each stroke carefully placed to create depth and shadow. You can almost feel the texture of the machinery and the smoothness of the paper, can’t you? Gardner doesn't conceal the means of production, but lays bare the physical act of making, in art and industry. The rhythmic lines evoke a sense of movement and labor, mirroring the repetitive motions of the papermaking process. It's a dance between the artist's hand and the industrial world. Gardner reminds me of the precision and dedication of someone like Joseph Pennell, who captured the spirit of industry with a similar blend of realism and artistry. Ultimately, Gardner invites us to see the beauty in the ordinary, and to appreciate the labor and craftsmanship that goes into creating the materials we often take for granted.