Weather Vane c. 1936

Curator: This drawing, a “Weather Vane,” was rendered by Edward L. Loper around 1936 using pencil and graphite on paper. What’s grabbing you about it, initially? Editor: Well, it’s undeniably simple. There’s a quiet stillness about it, almost meditative. I'm struck by how the artist isolated this utilitarian object, removing it from its usual architectural context, thereby transforming its significance. It's devoid of explicit social narrative. Curator: Exactly. Loper's work during this period often examines the vernacular landscape. Consider the implications of choosing a weather vane – traditionally a public symbol, often adorning barns or public buildings. The act of depicting it becomes a study in localized identity and shared cultural experience, particularly in rural communities. Editor: That's a rich observation. But to delve a bit deeper, what readings might surface when viewing this through the lens of art history? Are there societal commentaries embedded within the symbolism of wind direction, navigation, and perhaps broader metaphors for guidance and orientation during turbulent socio-political times? Curator: Absolutely. We need to acknowledge that objects such as weathervanes carry potent historical meaning. Depicting it during the mid-1930's amidst the Depression can be perceived as a meditation on the societal winds of change, a call to maintain stability amid uncertainty, and I feel there is an analogy to community orientation that we need to read here. The craftsmanship becomes a symbol of resilience, echoing shared histories, localized art expressions, and cultural perseverance. Editor: That connection adds considerable depth, re-orienting our understanding of its presence. Considering Loper's historical backdrop of economic uncertainty, this work seemingly becomes an exercise in visual storytelling. The symbolism subtly reflects themes of socio-political upheaval and perhaps, aspiration toward community orientation during change. Curator: Ultimately, the work encourages us to engage in visual contemplation that acknowledges the interconnected relationship of art, people and shared history. It goes beyond the aesthetic appeal and becomes a cultural meditation and preservation act. Editor: Indeed, thinking about this "Weather Vane" this way, we've unlocked some essential readings here that show its surprising depth. It definitely changes the way I perceive objects within art spaces.