Sleep 1946

Anne Ryan made this print, titled “Sleep,” using color woodcut, a technique where an image is carved into a block of wood, inked, and then printed onto paper. The visual texture you see is inherent to the process. The wood grain, the pressure of the press, all contribute to the final image. The choice of woodcut, with its roots in folk art and illustration, reflects a desire to engage with a wider audience. Ryan likely trained in this mode, and her work is informed by her own labor and studio practices. The process involves a balance of skill and chance, and the labor involved in carving the block is considerable. We might consider how the theme of “sleep” relates to the working world. Rest is crucial for the labor force, enabling them to work. By embracing a craft-based process, Ryan blurs the boundaries between fine art and craft, inviting us to reconsider the value we place on different forms of creative expression.