Pa. German Toy Hen c. 1939

Hester Duany made this watercolor, "Pa. German Toy Hen," with care, capturing a small, carved hen. The drawing is all about the texture: each carved line of the original wooden toy is carefully rendered, creating a tangible sense of the object. You can almost feel the wood grain, like holding a folk art piece in your hands. I can imagine Duany studying the hen from all angles, trying to capture its essence. It is a quiet act of translation, from three dimensions to two, from wood to paper. There is a sense of playfulness and reverence for the simple beauty of everyday objects, which reminds me of the work of other American folk artists. Like them, Duany seems interested in elevating humble subjects through the act of close observation. This piece is a reminder that artists are always looking, always learning from one another. It encourages us to slow down and appreciate the craftsmanship and artistry embedded in the most unassuming things.