River Pilot 1940

Shelby Shackelford made this print, called "River Pilot", sometime in the 20th century. The whole thing’s in greyscale, and the marks feel almost crusty, like she dug them right out of the plate. It's a process. Look at the pilot’s hands, gripping the wheel. They're huge, distorted, but so full of life, right? Each mark feels like a decision, a little push and pull, like trying to steer something unwieldy. And the wheel itself! See how it’s not perfect? The lines wobble, the shapes are slightly off. It's not about being precise; it’s about the feeling of turning, of being in control, or maybe just the illusion of it. I’m reminded of Kathe Kollwitz and other artists who found beauty and expression in the humble medium of printmaking. There's something so direct and honest about it, like a conversation scratched onto a surface. The pilot is looking up, and the viewer is looking up at the pilot. It makes you wonder where they're headed, doesn't it?