-Saving Elves (registering)- still bank c. 1920

This little “Saving Elves” bank, made from painted metal, is giving me the warm fuzzies. I imagine some factory worker carefully applying these sweet images of gnomes, who look like they are up to no good and are maybe stealing pennies. The artist - or designer - of this piece really knew how to use color; the creamy background lets the blue trim and the orange hats of the elves really pop. There’s something so charming and a little wonky about the way the elves are drawn. The way the artist created the scene reminds me of early children's book illustrations, where the story is more important than getting the anatomy right. It's like they're inviting us into a secret world, a little bit mischievous, but ultimately innocent. This piece reminds me that art doesn't always have to be serious or profound. Sometimes, it can just be a little bit of fun, a little bit of magic, a little reminder of the simple joys of childhood.