Weather Vane 1935 - 1942

This wonderful ‘Weather Vane’ was made by an anonymous artist. It is so simple, almost childlike, but really carefully observed. The artist uses a muted palette, mainly white, red, and a blue background, which gives the piece a calm, almost melancholic feel. Look at the way the white paint has been applied to the body of the rooster. You can see all the brushstrokes, they build up a sense of texture and volume, making it look almost sculptural. It’s clear that this was built up gradually, step by step, in layers. Notice the red on the feet and comb – these little pops of color really bring the whole thing to life! I think of Joseph Yoakum, who used a similar approach to mark-making. Both artists suggest that art is an ongoing conversation, not just with oneself but with the world. And really, that's the beauty of art; it embraces ambiguity.