Economite Bowl or Cake Mold c. 1937

Ralph Atkinson created this Economite Bowl or Cake Mold sometime between 1855 and 1995, using watercolor and graphite on paper. Atkinson's choice of materials is noteworthy: watercolor and graphite are humble mediums, often associated with sketching or illustration rather than high art. But here, they are employed to meticulously depict a utilitarian object, elevating its status. The detailed rendering captures the bowl's texture, weight, and form, emphasizing its material presence. Presumably, Atkinson was engaging with a social context where the handmade and mass-produced intersected. Perhaps he was commenting on the value of everyday objects in an era of increasing industrialization. By focusing on its materiality, Atkinson highlights the inherent beauty and cultural significance often overlooked in mass-produced items. Ultimately, this work challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft, inviting us to appreciate the artistry embedded in the most humble of objects.