Illustrations for Mikhail Stelmakh's book "In the Hedgehog's Windmill" 1956

Hryhorii Havrylenko made this illustration for Mikhail Stelmakh's book "In the Hedgehog's Windmill," using ink on paper. This combination of materials and processes, though traditional, is far from neutral. Ink drawings like this one were crucial to the mass production of books. They are easily reproduced and allow for the combination of image and text, fostering a sense of shared cultural identity in an age of print. Here, the artist's hand is evident in the texture of the lines, which vary in thickness and direction to create a sense of depth and movement. Look closely, and you'll notice the way the lines suggest volume and shadow, giving the figures a palpable presence. The act of drawing itself is inherently linked to labor, politics, and consumption. Every stroke of the pen represents a conscious decision, a deliberate act of creation. By understanding the material properties of ink and paper, and the skilled labor required to produce this image, we can begin to appreciate the full meaning of Havrylenko's illustration. It blurs the lines between fine art and craft, reminding us of the importance of making in shaping our cultural landscape.