Vija Celmins' series of star field drawings, which she began in the late 1970s and continued into the 1980s, is one of her most acclaimed bodies of work. These drawings are characterized by their meticulous detail and the artist's distinctive use of graphite to render vast, celestial expanses. Unlike traditional representations of the night sky, Celmins’ star fields lack any horizon or reference points, creating an immersive, almost abstract quality that invites viewers to contemplate the infinite nature of the cosmos.

Celmins' approach to these works involves a painstaking process of layering graphite on paper, often working from photographs of the night sky. Each drawing is a labor-intensive endeavor, with Celmins spending months, sometimes years, to achieve the desired effect. Her goal is to capture the intricate play of light and shadow, and the delicate variations in tone that define the star-studded sky. This attention to detail not only demonstrates her technical prowess but also reflects her deep engagement with the materiality and texture of her medium (SFMOMA) (National Galleries).

One notable work from this series is "Starfield" (2010), a mezzotint and drypoint print that exemplifies her mastery of tonal variation. Created by using two copperplates placed closely together, the print features a deep black sky punctuated by countless white stars. The barely visible line between the plates draws attention to the process of creation and emphasizes the two-dimensional nature of the image. This technique highlights Celmins' ability to blend meticulous craftsmanship with conceptual depth, creating works that are both visually stunning and intellectually engaging (Artsy).

Celmins’ star field drawings are not just about replicating the night sky; they are explorations of perception and representation. By eliminating the horizon line and other contextual markers, she challenges viewers to focus on the surface of the paper and the act of looking itself. This approach aligns with her broader artistic philosophy, which prioritizes the process of making and the physical properties of the medium over symbolic or narrative content (SCMA) (National Galleries)

These drawings have been widely exhibited and are held in major collections, including the Museum of Modern Art and the National Galleries of Scotland. They continue to be celebrated for their exquisite detail and the meditative quality they evoke, inviting viewers to engage deeply with the infinite and the sublime (MoMA) (National Galleries) .