Economy Tint Lamp c. 1937

Edward White made this drawing of an "Economy Tint Lamp" with graphite and crayon on paper. The drawing has a sense of quiet observation, a carefulness in the mark making and a subdued colour palette that speaks to an artmaking process rooted in the everyday. The material aspects here are particularly interesting, how the artist uses humble materials to depict an everyday object. The graphite and crayon, with their muted tones, give the lamp a sense of understated elegance, while also hinting at the potential darkness it holds. Look at the way White captures the texture of the metal, especially on the cylindrical container, creating depth and dimension through subtle gradations of tone. It almost feels like a metaphor for the way art can illuminate the mundane, transforming the ordinary into something extraordinary through careful observation and skillful execution. It reminds me of Giorgio Morandi's still lifes, which celebrate the beauty of simple, functional objects. Both artists invite us to slow down and appreciate the poetry of the everyday. Just goes to show, art doesn't always need to shout to be heard.