Iron Grease Lamp c. 1937

James Drake made this drawing of an iron grease lamp at some point during his long life, using what looks like watercolor or gouache. You can really see the hand of the artist here. It’s not slick or photorealistic, but rather seems rooted in an intimate understanding of the object. I find myself drawn to the mottled texture of the lamp, that combination of browns and greys, which suggests the rough surface of the metal. The paint is thin and translucent, allowing the paper to peek through. Drake doesn't conceal his process. Look at the way he renders the lip of the lamp, with its slightly uneven contour, which gives the object its distinctive character. There's a simplicity and directness to Drake's approach that reminds me of folk art, a lack of pretension. You might think about Marsden Hartley's still lifes. Like Hartley, Drake celebrates the beauty of everyday objects, elevating the mundane to something worthy of contemplation. It’s a reminder that art isn't just about grand gestures, but also about quiet observations and small moments of connection.