Head of a Dall Ram 2008

Timothy David Mayhew made this drawing of a Dall Ram's head with graphite on paper. Look at the way the strokes build up, layering to describe the form of the ram. You can see a real dedication to process, almost like a meditation. The texture of the ram's fur is so delicate, made with tiny marks that accumulate into a soft, almost cloud-like mass. Notice the contrast with the horns, where the graphite is more dense and the strokes are more directional, giving them a hard, sculptural quality. The background is kept simple, just a flat gray tone, which makes the ram seem to emerge from the paper. The approach reminds me a little of the work of Agnes Martin, where the accumulation of simple marks creates a sense of depth and space. It’s a reminder that art is really an ongoing conversation. The way this piece is made, with its embrace of subtlety and understatement, really invites you to pause and contemplate.