Drawer Pull c. 1936

Janet Riza made this drawing of a "Drawer Pull," but we don't know exactly when. It's a simple drawing, but it's full of quiet consideration. The texture is smooth, even and the color is muted, like old gold, and it feels honest, not trying to be flashy. See how the right-hand view is turned to the side? I find the side view on the right is actually more interesting than the flatter, frontal drawing, somehow. It’s just a tiny bit off, like she turned the object slightly so we could see it better. I love that it's a drawer pull, something so everyday, but here it is, given real attention and care. The drawing is a celebration of the ordinary. It makes me think of artists like Agnes Martin, who found profound beauty in the simplest forms. It reminds us that art isn’t just about grand gestures; it’s about how we look at the world.