Toast Rack c. 1939

This is Albert Taxson's ‘Toast Rack’, made with graphite on paper. It's a drawing, but you can really see the objectness of this object. I love the patient mark-making, building up the forms through layers of delicate lines. The texture of the metal almost vibrates, and the slight imperfections give it character. Look at the little swirls! The way the graphite catches the light is kind of magical. It reminds me of when I am working on a painting, layering colour and texture, building an image bit by bit. The whole thing has a gentle quality. The artist could have made it photorealistic, but they didn't. There’s something about that choice, about seeing the hand in the work, that invites you in and makes you want to get to know it better. It reminds me of Vija Celmins, who also has this knack for turning everyday objects into something so intensely personal. It shows us art is less about answers, and more about the questions it inspires.