Water kettle and stand c. 1950 - 1960

An anonymous artist made this metal water kettle and stand. I'm looking at these reflective surfaces and all this elaborate chasing, and I’m thinking about how the artist’s hand has shaped and reshaped the metal. I mean, imagine the hours of labour that went into this! It’s like a dance between intention and material, each informing the other. The artist has created a sense of depth and texture by varying the relief of the design. Look at the way light catches on those surfaces; it's almost like looking at an expressionist painting. There’s a conversation happening between this set and other artisans who have tried to capture something elusive in form and surface. I like that we don't know who made this, it shows how artists everywhere are in an ongoing conversation and exchange of ideas across time, inspiring one another’s creativity.