Barry Moser, The Old Gentleman
Recommended by Paige (Collections Manager):
"One of my favorite wood engravings comes from the master himself, Barry Moser. This piece is a bit unusual for its use of colored paper, but is also a classic representation of Moser's impossibly fine lines. The blue paper compliments the animal's light eyes and surrounding darkness. I once read an interview where Moser talked about his love of opposites and how he uses them in work, like serious vs. comedic, expected vs. unexpected, complex vs. simple etc. This piece holds many opposites like the technical skill and traditional stylings compared to the often ignoble cow. I love how this cow gets a royal treatment only Barry Moser could give, complete with a laurel wreath and the title The Old Gentleman."
Zha Sai, Fragmentary Shadow 1
Recommended by Nikki (Fine Print Photographer & Content Publisher):
"Zha Sai’s technical prowess on this reduction woodcut makes my mouth water. The registration of each printed layer of ink is flawlessly executed, helping add to the photographic nature of this piece. Sai slowly reduces the woodblock after printing each layer, to reveal more and more of previously printed layers, while simultaneously adding smaller and smaller areas of ink on top. Technique aside, Fragmentary Shadow 1 brings a moment of peace and meditation to the viewer that goes beyond what a photograph could hope to offer."
C. T. Chew, Peking Man Stamp
Recommended by Sam (Owner & Director):
"This mezzotint by Seattle artist Carl Chew was commissioned by Davidson Galleries in 1981 as an experiment with Japanese pre-rocked mezzotint plates. The intended edition of 20 impressions was not possible due to the premature breakdown of the rocked surface. The artist's stamp-related image reflects his involvement with mail art on an international level. Works surrounding his invented notion of a Prehistoric Post Office traveled all over the world and were part of a Davidson Galleries exhibition that toured Canada and the U.S. with works by other members of the multinational Artist Stamp movement."
Harpers Weekly, In and About Seattle
Recommended by Emma (Marketing & Communications Manager):
"This page from an 1897 issue of Harpers Weekly is a delightful time capsule of historic Seattle. The different scale of viewpoints - entire region, skyline, specific locations - gives a sense of context to the locations portrayed. It's refreshing to see historical documentation of areas outside of present-day downtown, and the detailed imagery draws you into a different time."
