Zeegezicht met zeilboot en ondergaande zon 1900 - 1954

Jo Bezaan created this woodcut print, "Seascape with sailboat and setting sun," using a subtractive method. The artist likely used gouges to carve away areas of a woodblock, leaving a raised surface to hold ink. The stark contrast comes from applying ink to the remaining surface and pressing it onto paper. Notice the texture of the paper, which subtly influences the image. The act of carving itself, a labor-intensive process, imbues the print with a sense of deliberate craftsmanship. Consider how the block printing process informs the aesthetic of the work; the bold lines and shapes evoke a sense of the power of nature. Woodcut, as a printmaking medium, is particularly well-suited to this subject, because of its historical association with both folk art and fine art traditions. By embracing this accessible medium, Bezaan invites us to appreciate the beauty of the natural world, and the value of craftsmanship.