Economy Pie Plate c. 1937

Ralph Atkinson created this watercolor painting of an 'Economy Pie Plate' sometime in the 20th century. Atkinson was an American artist who lived through both World Wars and the Great Depression, an era of tremendous change and economic disparity in the U.S. The title, 'Economy Pie Plate', already suggests a context of scarcity and resourcefulness. It is as if Atkinson is saying: ‘I'm going to elevate this very humble object, a pie plate, the kind of thing anyone can find.’ Note the damaged portion, indicating that the painted plate is not only an everyday item but also one that has served its purpose and perhaps been discarded. The central image is a bird, possibly a goose, next to a stylized plant, a symbol which may reference the natural world or an interest in the decorative arts, which were often seen as feminine pursuits. Atkinson’s painting transforms a simple, broken dish into a statement about the value and beauty that can be found in ordinary life. It's a piece that quietly insists on the importance of resourcefulness and the overlooked narratives of everyday existence.