Drypoint Etching – First Watcher

Drypoint Etching – First Watcher

Originally conceived as a study for Oscillation, this drypoint print evolved into something more singular and quietly commanding. The figure at its centre—a face imagined rather than observed—grew in presence until it emerged as a steady, almost ancestral gaze. Enlarged and brought into focus, it now watches back, inviting a primal recognition.

There is something both familiar and unknowable in this face. It evokes the early moments of perception—those first acts of looking and being seen. In this exchange, the viewer becomes part of a wordless dialogue, a recollection of early human connection, when identity was felt rather than named.

Delicate etched lines anchor the form, while a soft haze of ink—intentionally left behind—settles across the surface like memory. This gentle tonal wash adds depth and atmosphere, extending the emotional range of the piece beyond the drawn mark.

Hand-pressed on premium Somerset paper, chosen for its exceptional texture and archival quality, the image conforms to A4 dimensions and rests on a 37 x 28 cm sheet, allowing ample space for framing or float mounting.

A quiet yet compelling piece, inviting the viewer into a contemplative moment of being seen.