Hello. This post is about lines.
Last time I was in Simon’s studio, I found a sketch book of preliminary drawings for some of his illustrations, which were wood engravings. Here are some for Jacob and the Angel (2013).
To me, these pencil lines look as if they have only just been drawn. They are alive, as is the rubbing out. You can see the accuracy of draftsmanship and then those lines that just do not quite work.
But do not take my word for it. Look closely at these four drawings. What do you see? Why has he chosen to emphasise certain lines and not others? Which did he draw intentionally and which just ‘came out’ or did it all just come out like that?
He was not drawing from life here but from his imagination. Although, Jacob and the Angel were alive in his imagination. Can you tell?
I saw him drawing countless times in my life, in his studio, at home, on holiday… It was the most natural sight. Drawing, engraving, reading, writing.
There is something so basic about mark-making and when I look at his, here, I feel as if I could just reach out and hold his hand and exchange a smile. It is not so much sad but lovely.
These lines are so full of life, I feel he has only just drawn them. Like crisp foot steps in the snow, you can follow by walking or running in them, I imagine these pencil lines unfurling into one long line. He is at one end and I am at the other, and somehow in his drawing, we meet.
If you would like to watch the video (or read / listen to the transcript) of the moment I find the sketchbook and flick through all the pages, you can do so here.
All images copyright Simon Brett Estate.
