February 1999 1999

Kristin Leachman made this drawing, February 1999, with graphite on paper. At first glance, it seems almost woven, the kind of image you might produce laboring over a loom. What I love about this piece is how Leachman focuses on the smallest mark. Each little lozenge is placed with intention. You can almost see her, poised, making each individual mark, carefully building the image from the bottom up. Looking closely, you can see how the graphite is layered, creating depth and texture. The density of marks at the bottom of the composition creates a sense of weight. The drawing then lightens as it rises, the negative space almost ghostlike against the more solid form beneath. The drawing reminds me of the work of Agnes Martin, but with a twist. While Martin's lines are cool and minimal, Leachman's marks are more human, imperfect, full of the artist’s touch. This feels like an exploration of time, patience, and the quiet beauty of repetition.