Scissors 1939

Walter Praefke made this drawing of scissors sometime in the late 19th or early 20th century, but without color, the scissors seem like they’re from any time. Look at the careful way Praefke rendered the scissors, each line and shadow considered. It's like he's saying, "Yes, even the most mundane object can be art." But it's more than just representation; it's about the process, the act of looking, and the transformation of the ordinary into something extraordinary. The scissors are worn, their surfaces alive with a patina of use. I love the small details, like the tiny imperfections on the metal, and the way the light catches on the edges. It reminds me a little of Giorgio Morandi, who spent his life painting the same bottles over and over. So next time you reach for a pair of scissors, remember Praefke's drawing, and take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the everyday.