Mirror 1927

Eric Gill made this drawing, called "Mirror", in 1927, using pencil on paper. The marks are tentative, searching; it’s more about the process of looking than about fixed, solid forms. I really love the way the body emerges from this tangle of lines, it’s as if Gill is feeling his way around the form, allowing it to gradually materialize. The thinness of the pencil lines creates a sense of lightness and openness. Look at how the orange pencil suggests shadow and volume, but also adds a warmth to the cool gray tones. This reminds me a bit of a Matisse drawing. Both artists use line to define form in a way that feels both precise and intuitive. There's a real sense of freedom and playfulness in the way Gill approaches the figure. It's a reminder that art is an ongoing conversation. It’s all about embracing ambiguity and not being afraid to let the process guide you.