Daisy 1934

This is Ludwig Mestler's print "Daisy," made in 1934 using etching. Look at how the image sits on the page, almost floating, with that cream-colored background. The etching creates a lovely texture; the dark green foliage looks almost velvety. It's not just the color; it’s the way the ink sits on the paper, creating these tiny, irregular lines. It’s a process that feels intimate and handmade. The yellow centers of the daisies have this almost buzzing quality. It makes me think of Klimt, though, of course, Klimt is more decorative. You can see how Mestler has scratched and bitten into the plate to create a range of tonal effects. It reminds me that art is a conversation across time, artists picking up on each other’s ideas, reinterpreting them, and passing them on. It's lovely, isn't it?