Rosette 1938

Max Fernekes made this ‘Rosette’ out of graphite and colored pencil in 1930. The earth tones create a feeling of stillness and calm, and it’s interesting to see how he’s used the different colours to create a sense of depth and shadow. I’m really drawn to the texture that Fernekes has managed to create here, especially within each leaf. You can almost feel the grain of the material. This attention to the tactile quality of the subject matter makes the piece so engaging. The way the light catches those curls and edges brings the rosette to life, making it feel almost three-dimensional. And those little circles at the heart of the rosette – they act like tiny windows, drawing you into the center of the piece. This detailed, almost obsessive approach reminds me of some of the botanical drawings by Agnes Martin, where the simple act of observation becomes a form of meditation. What Fernekes shares with other artists is that art is a conversation, a way of seeing and feeling that evolves over time, with each artist adding their own voice to the chorus.