Colonial Chimes c. 1936

Edward L. Loper created this drawing of Colonial Chimes on paper. Look at how Loper uses a delicate grey wash to bring this object to life. It’s not just a picture, it’s a study in light and form. The evenness of the wash makes me think about printmaking, but there’s a softness here too, a gentle gradient that gives the metal depth. Focus on the bracket where it attaches to the wall. See how it curls into a stylized spiral? It’s a simple detail but it gives the whole piece a sense of motion, like the chimes are about to ring out in a breeze. The chains holding the chimes seem almost fragile, a contrast to the solid, geometric shapes of the bells themselves. Loper was known for his landscapes, and you can see that same attention to detail here. He transforms an everyday object into something poetic. It reminds me a bit of Charles Sheeler’s precisionism, but with a softer touch. Art is always in conversation, isn’t it? A constant back-and-forth of ideas and influences.