Punch & Judy Toy Bank c. 1937

Beverly Chichester made this painting of a Punch and Judy Toy Bank, and it's interesting to think about how she worked. It feels like she started by building the framework of the puppet booth. Then, she added colors and details to bring it to life. I love how the flat, slightly chalky paint sits on the surface. It feels very handmade and personal. Looking at the yellow cross on the front, you can see how the colors overlap slightly, creating a subtle texture. And notice the curtains. They’re not just blue; there are layers of light and shadow, giving them a sense of depth. It feels like she's encouraging me to feel the surface and its imperfections. I’m reminded of the work of outsider artists like Henry Darger, who also created elaborate imaginary worlds with simple materials. Like Darger, Chichester invites us to step into a world of imagination and play. It’s a reminder that art doesn’t always need to be polished or perfect to be powerful.