Wardrobe c. 1937

Katharine Morris made this rendering of a Wardrobe, its date is unknown, using pencil and watercolor on paper. I can imagine Katharine carefully sketching out the basic structure, then delicately layering on the watercolors, capturing the play of light and shadow on the wood. The grain almost seems to glow from within! I wonder if she was thinking about the functionality of the wardrobe. Did she think about the lives of the people who would use it? Look at the fine lines she used to define the edges and details. This piece makes me think of the Shaker designs, it has a similar emphasis on simplicity, utility, and craftsmanship. It seems like the artist is in conversation with those who came before, learning from their techniques, adding her own voice to the mix. It's about being present, attentive, and open to the possibilities that emerge in the making.