Groove Plane c. 1937

Curator: Samuel Faigin created "Groove Plane" around 1937 using colored pencils. What's your first impression? Editor: Immediately, I’m struck by the interplay of geometrical forms, how the semi-circular shape is offset by the rigid lines, all anchored in a muted color palette. Curator: Absolutely. The colored pencil medium chosen by Faigin, elevated this blueprint rendering, traditionally relegated to utilitarian purposes, into the realm of art. Consider also the cultural context: During this period, woodworking as a trade saw both advancements and struggles due to industrial shifts. Editor: Interesting observation. The semiotic reading suggests to me that these rigid forms could symbolize structure, control. How else would you assess Faigin’s contribution within his milieu? Curator: Well, consider that the groove plane tool was critical to tradesmen: Coopers crafting barrels, wheelwrights creating wheels. By foregrounding this item, Faigin spotlights craftsmanship’s importance and utility at a critical industrial moment. Editor: I see that in the way Faigin's approach emphasizes geometric structure and how it gives prominence to the object. I also find this medium, colored pencil on paper, subverts the traditional boundary between drawing and blueprint. Curator: Exactly! Faigin forces us to ask: Who decides what’s art and what isn’t? How do production methods alter the very value ascribed to such crafted things? It blurs distinctions between art, design, utility… Editor: Thinking about the balance and visual appeal, Faigin invites us to engage in aesthetic appreciation—even a blueprint like this displays artful design principles. But your comments also nudge me to recall these objects held utility in material realities where industries were fast expanding. Fascinating tension there! Curator: It certainly does give much to consider. Thank you. Editor: Thank you as well.