Sanctus Bell 1937

Syrena Swanson made this watercolor of a sanctus bell sometime in the late 19th or early 20th century. The way Swanson builds up the color in layers, it's like she's coaxing the bell into being, one careful wash at a time. Up close, you can see every little stroke, a mosaic of browns and tans that give the wood and metal a real sense of weight and texture. The handle, with its smooth grain, practically begs to be held, while the bell itself has a subtle sheen, hinting at its metallic ring. There's this one dark line snaking down the side of the bell, a tiny imperfection that somehow makes the whole thing feel more alive, more real. It reminds me a little of those still lifes by Morandi, where everyday objects become these monumental, almost spiritual forms. It’s like Swanson is saying, even the simplest things can be beautiful, can hold a whole world of meaning if you just take the time to really look.