Inspection c. 1950

Bernard Joseph Steffen made this intriguing 'Inspection' on paper, the date is unknown. The approach to mark making here is so interesting, the way Steffen renders the chicken's feathers with short, repetitive strokes gives it a soft, almost fluffy texture, it's very tactile. You can see the process, the labor, in each individual mark. Looking closely, the material aspects of the work really stand out. The surface is built up with layers of color, creating depth and shadow. The tones in the rock underneath the bird are muted greens and blues, contrasting with the warm browns of the chicken. Focus on the chicken’s feet, see how those yellow lines give it a sense of groundedness, of being rooted in the space. This piece reminds me a little of the early works of Marsden Hartley, both artists share this interest in simplified forms and the raw expression of emotion through color and line. Art is such a great conversation, always echoing and responding to what came before.