Untitled (Woman in Leotard) c. 1924

Alfred Maurer made this print, Untitled (Woman in Leotard), by cutting into a block of wood, and then inking and printing the surface. It is a stark image, really just a few lines that define the figure. The process is a relief print, where the areas that you don't want to print are cut away. It is relatively easy, in a way; this is not rocket science. But it does require patience and care. The process is so direct, it is the artist against the block. The artist needs to have an understanding of the material and the tools used. It's an age-old technology, but its impact is still felt today. The print feels so immediate, almost like a drawing, but its black and white contrast gives it a modern feel. In the end, the artist’s approach to materials and making underscores the fact that art is not just about the final image, but about the labor and thought that goes into its creation.