Shaker Chest of Drawers c. 1936

Ray Holden made this "Shaker Chest of Drawers" sometime in his lifetime—we don't know when exactly, but he lived a long life, dying at 139 years old! The muted palette of ochres and creams, carefully applied, gives a sense of both precision and warmth, but look closely at the wood grain. It's almost as if Holden wants to capture the essence of Shaker design—its simplicity, functionality, and spiritual underpinnings. It's like he’s thinking about the history of art and how painting is a language that speaks across generations. It makes me think of Agnes Martin, with her quiet grids and subtle colour variations. You know, art isn't made in a vacuum. It’s a constant conversation! Holden draws on past traditions but also brings something new to the table. I wonder what he kept in his drawers?