Silver Tankard c. 1936

This silvery tankard, drawn by Clayton Braun, makes me think about how we depict the world around us. Braun uses pencil to carefully shade and define the form, paying close attention to the reflective qualities of the metal. Look at the handle, for instance, it's not just a functional part of the tankard, but an opportunity for decorative flourish. The way the light catches the curves and indentations gives it a tactile presence, almost like you could reach out and grasp it. The rest of the tankard has been depicted with a similar consideration for light and form, building up the image from many tiny marks. It reminds me of the drawings of Giorgio Morandi. Both artists explore the poetry of everyday objects, finding beauty in the simplest forms. Like Morandi, Braun elevates the ordinary to something worthy of contemplation, prompting us to slow down and really see.