The Go-Cart 1913

Helen Hyde made this charming woodblock print called The Go-Cart sometime around 1913, and what I love about it is how she's not afraid to keep it simple. The image has this great, flat look, almost like a poster, and she uses color to set the mood. Look how the blues in the background pop against the greens and browns of the go-cart, it feels so fresh. There’s a real sense of process here, especially in the way she’s carved the wood. The lines are so clear and direct, and you can practically feel her hand moving as she made each mark. Now, check out the wheel on that go-cart. The way it’s been simplified, it’s almost like a flower. Hyde wasn’t trying to trick you with realism; she was after something more heartfelt. This print reminds me a bit of some of Matisse’s paper cut-outs - the way he could create a whole world with just a few simple shapes. In both cases, it’s about the joy of making, and letting the process shine through.