Crock c. 1938

John Tarantino's Crock is a drawing that captures the essence of a humble object, rendered with what looks like colored pencil or pastel. The mark making here feels gentle, almost tentative, which gives the image a real sense of care and attention. There’s something very tactile about this drawing. The surface of the crock is built up with layers of soft, blended colors, creating a subtle texture that invites you to reach out and touch it. Look at the way Tarantino uses shading to define the form, especially around the base and the lip of the crock. It’s like he’s slowly coaxing the object into existence, revealing its shape through the patient accumulation of marks. The blue floral motif adds a touch of whimsy and contrast, a little burst of color against the muted tones of the stoneware. This piece reminds me of the still lifes by Giorgio Morandi, who also found endless inspiration in simple, everyday objects. Like Morandi, Tarantino seems to be interested in the quiet beauty of the mundane, in the way that even the most ordinary thing can become extraordinary when viewed with focus and intention.