Clock c. 1936

This technical drawing shows a clock and its construction by John Dieterich, who lived between 1855 and 1995. It's all about lines, measurements, and details, like a map for building something real. What strikes me is the hand-drawn nature of this diagram. You can feel the artist's hand in every line, every dimension. The marks are incredibly precise. It’s amazing to see such detail in an image meant for construction. The diagram reminds me of how we use art to understand the world, to break it down into manageable parts. Look at the different views and close-ups of the clock's details. The way the embellishments are rendered feels very personal and shows an attention to craft that is characteristic of folk art. I love how the artist leaves room for interpretation. It's not just about the clock itself but about the process of making and understanding. Thinking about this, I am reminded of Agnes Martin. While her work is abstract and modern, she shares with John Dieterich an appreciation for the intrinsic beauty of lines and composition. This diagram is a testament to the dialogue between art, craft, and the beauty of precision.