Back Porch in Winter c. 1935 - 1943

Virginia Kaar made this block print, "Back Porch in Winter," sometime during her lifetime, between 1910 and 1966. Kaar’s artistic journey was rooted in the American Midwest during the interwar period. Her work often captured the daily lives of ordinary people, reflecting the regionalist movement's focus on rural and small-town America. In this print, the stark contrast of black ink on white paper evokes the quiet stillness of a winter day. The objects scattered across the porch –– worn shoes, a bucket, firewood, and a broom –– suggest a narrative of labor and domesticity. A small stove sits prominently, hinting at the essential warmth and sustenance it provides against the cold. These are everyday items, yet Kaar elevates them, asking us to consider the beauty in simplicity and the stories held within humble objects. "Back Porch in Winter" invites us to reflect on our own connections to home, labor, and the changing seasons. Kaar reminds us that even in the most unassuming scenes, there is a profound sense of place and belonging.