Fokker's parasol-eendekker. Geen spandraden: groot stygvermogen 1919 - 1945

Reijer Stolk made this image of an aircraft, using ink and graphite, perhaps for a magazine or poster. I'm thinking about how this image came into being. The artist may have started with a precise, technical drawing, then worked to simplify the image into bold, graphic shapes. He's edited it down to its essence, like those Matisse cut-outs, all sharp edges and clean lines. I can imagine Stolk at his desk, meticulously outlining the plane, filling in the forms with India ink, using graphite to add subtle shading. He's probably thinking about speed, lift, the thrill of aviation. The plane itself looks so sleek and futuristic. The lettering is so bold and assertive! The sky a mere hint of clouds in the corners. For Stolk, and other artists like him, the act of creation is a conversation with the world, but also with other makers.