Wooden Plow c. 1938

Editor: Here we have Vera Van Voris’ "Wooden Plow," created around 1938, using watercolor and drawing techniques. The subject matter seems so…stark and simple. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Beyond its immediate representational value, this image serves as a potent symbol of labor and the agrarian roots of our society. Consider the historical context: the late 1930s, during the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl. How might this image speak to the suffering and resilience of rural communities? Editor: So, the plow is more than just a farm tool? Curator: Precisely. The artist asks us to reflect on the exploitation of land and labor, while also recognizing the profound connection between humanity and the earth. We could consider its symbolism within a larger dialogue of agrarian reform and social justice movements that sought to empower farmers and address the inequalities inherent in capitalist agricultural practices. What sort of dialogue can this art inspire in the viewers? Editor: It does make you think about where our food comes from, the people who work so hard, and how important it is to treat the land with respect. It feels very relevant to conversations we’re having today about sustainable agriculture and ethical consumption. Curator: Exactly. This simple wooden plow prompts essential questions. Does art reflect our societal values or shape them? Editor: That's a lot to consider about a seemingly simple painting of a plow! I see it in a new light. Curator: Indeed, art is never created in a vacuum, and interrogating the social forces intertwined within even the simplest of images reveals their lasting impact.