Flask c. 1939

John Tarantino drew this flask with what seems like a ballpoint pen on paper. I love the way this drawing embraces simplicity. The form of the flask is defined by a single, continuous line, confident and economical. Look at those little marks gathered at the bottom. They remind me of short grasses. They suggest depth, even volume, in the otherwise flat plane of the paper. The smudges, like little ghosts, near the top of the flask, give it a unique character, making it feel handmade and personal. It’s this attention to detail, this embrace of imperfection, that draws me in. It reminds me of some of Agnes Martin’s drawings, but with a more playful sensibility. Ultimately, this drawing celebrates the beauty of everyday objects and the power of simple lines. It reminds us to find joy in the process, to embrace the unexpected, and to see the world with fresh eyes.