Meetkundige grafiek c. 1916

Reijer Stolk made this geometrical diagram with pencil, and maybe a ruler, on paper. I imagine Stolk, bent over this piece of paper, perhaps at a desk or table, thinking deeply about geometry, math, and art. What was he thinking when he made this? Was it a study, an end in itself, or just for fun? I’m drawn to how the lines intersect and create shapes and forms, and the balance between precision and improvisation in the drawing. The lines are light and delicate, with variations in thickness and tone, as if each one was drawn tentatively, felt out, until it felt right. The texture of the paper can be felt through the pencil lines, giving a sense of depth and tactility to the drawing. It reminds me how all artists are in an ongoing conversation, exchanging ideas and inspiring one another’s creativity across time. Ultimately, drawing is embodied expression, embracing ambiguity and uncertainty, allowing for multiple interpretations.