Jersey Pipe c. 1930

Francis Law Durand's drawing, Jersey Pipe, shows us a clear glass pipe rendered with graphite on paper. Look closely, and you'll see the careful, controlled application of the medium. Durand’s marks are precise, almost scientific, yet they convey a sense of fragility and lightness. The pipe's curves and angles create a dance of light and shadow on the page. The drawing feels like an exploration, a slow unfurling of form through a patient, repetitive process. It reminds me of Agnes Martin’s subtle graphite drawings, where the grid becomes a vehicle for meditation and minute variations in tone create a shimmering field of perception. Ultimately, Durand’s drawing embodies the idea that art is not just about representation, but about the act of seeing and translating, a quiet conversation between artist, object, and material.