Old Town Ozalj 2012

Alfred Freddy Krupa made this small ink drawing, "Old Town Ozalj," using a brush with dark fluid ink. It’s all about the brushstroke here, how each one is a decision, a feeling made visible. The texture is amazing; look how the ink bleeds and pools on the page. It reminds me that art isn't just about what you intend, but also what happens when the material takes over, when the ink has its own say. Take a look at the upper section, where bold, sweeping lines suggest a tree; the darkness of the ink creates an enveloping form, and yet the lack of detail allows the light to penetrate. Think about the Japanese artists like Sesshu Toyo and the Zen tradition. There's a shared love of accident and a trust in the moment. It’s a reminder that art is a conversation, a back-and-forth between the artist, the material, and history.