Lantern c. 1938

This drawing of a lantern was made by Mildred Ford. Graphite on paper is a traditional medium, but it can be easily overlooked. Don't let that fool you, it's a very versatile material. Here, the artist's careful handling of graphite allows her to achieve a high level of detail, capturing the play of light and shadow on the lantern's surface, and the materiality of the metal itself. You can almost feel the coolness of the metal and hear the clink of the hinged door. This artwork prompts us to consider the social and cultural significance of everyday objects, and to appreciate the labor and skill involved in their production. The artist invites us to slow down and really look at this humble object, recognizing its beauty and its connection to the history of craft and design.