Angler on a Wintry Lake (detail) 1195

Ma Yuan rendered this detail of an angler on a wintry lake around 1200 using ink and color on silk. While ink painting is often celebrated as a spontaneous, expressive medium, it also demands incredible discipline. The artist grinds ink sticks, carefully controlling the density and tone to create a range of effects. Brushstrokes must be precise and deliberate on the absorbent silk, and the placement of each element is essential. The blank space surrounding the boat is as important as the crafted marks. But let's consider the labor of the fisherman, too. His work on the water is captured with utmost economy, showing the dignity of his patient craft, and his reliance on both natural and self-made materials. By appreciating the skilled labor involved, and the natural resources used, we can move past conventional art history and towards a more inclusive understanding of human creativity.