Mood Nocturnal -.. Old Bridge Bell Isle.. 1911

Harry Muir Kurtzworth made "Mood Nocturnal - Old Bridge Bell Isle" as a woodcut print, most likely in 1911. You can almost feel the artist’s hand carving the wood block, patiently chipping away to reveal this scene. I imagine the decisions he made, the tools he used, and the physical effort involved in making a work like this! I see the subtle gradations of the ink and how they create a sense of atmosphere and depth. He's caught that nocturnal glow. The textures and details of the bridge, the water, and the foliage all emerge from this tonal palette. It’s easy to imagine Kurtzworth being inspired by the work of other printmakers and painters, adding his own voice to the conversation. It's cool how artists keep inspiring and teaching each other across time. The whole history of art is like this big conversation that's been going on for centuries.