Comb and Brush Rack c. 1936

This is James M. Lawson’s drawing of a comb and brush rack. The marks are methodical and the colours subdued, it really invites you to think about artmaking as a step-by-step process. Lawson's drawing is super precise, the lines are clean, creating a tangible, almost tactile representation of this object. The texture of the wood is evoked through subtle gradations of brown and the use of shadow, giving the piece a sense of depth and solidity. The meticulous detail around each of the rivets shows a real dedication to capturing the material reality of the object. It reminds me a bit of some of the early American modernist painters, like Charles Sheeler, who found beauty in the clean lines and geometric forms of industrial objects. But Lawson brings a personal touch. It’s a celebration of craftsmanship, and an invitation to appreciate the beauty in the everyday.