Toy Bank: William Tell c. 1937

George File made this painting of a 'Toy Bank: William Tell', using what looks like watercolor. It’s not about perfect representation, but about capturing something playful and iconic. You can tell artmaking for File was a process of layering and building up form with transparent washes of color. The colors are muted, almost faded, giving the whole scene a nostalgic feel. I really get into the slightly awkward perspective. The textures are suggested with delicate strokes, evoking the rough surface of the original toy. Look at the way he renders the shadow, it’s not trying to fool us, but rather creates a kind of stage for this miniature drama. This piece reminds me of other folk artists like Joseph Yoakum, in the way it takes an everyday object and elevates it to something dreamlike. It’s a testament to the fact that art can be found in the most unexpected places.