Camphene Lamp c. 1939

Curator: LeRoy Griffith’s watercolor, titled "Camphene Lamp," created around 1939, presents us with a straightforward depiction of a common household object. Editor: The subtle washes of grey and brown lend it a melancholic, almost nostalgic quality. It is the texture, however, that I find really interesting: the blending and layering makes it look photorealistic and very modern for such a vintage scene. Curator: Well, Griffith’s choice of subject—a camphene lamp—tells us something about the domestic sphere during this period. Camphene lamps, using a volatile mix of turpentine and alcohol, were cheaper alternatives to whale oil or gas. This work reflects a reality of working-class homes, doesn't it? Editor: Undeniably. And if you observe Griffith’s masterful application of watercolour, you can see how the manipulation of light and shadow creates a palpable sense of depth, accentuating its metallic materiality. How the light glances over its conical shape, becoming translucent in some areas. Curator: It speaks volumes about resourcefulness, this object and its depiction. Not just the use of alternative fuels, but the act of memorializing such a functional item in art, too. The material circumstances shaped what was deemed worthy of artistic attention. Griffith likely wasn't commissioned, but saw some intrinsic value in everyday things, don’t you think? Editor: The structural integrity of the piece is just as valuable. The lamp's composition is arranged using the rule of thirds which is enhanced by the monochromatic scheme which gives the object weight and balance, don't you think? The lamp occupies this space elegantly! Curator: Agreed. The work, in my mind, reflects a focus on the everyday object—this watercolor invites us to consider not only the aesthetic of the piece, but the economic and social conditions of its original context. Editor: Ultimately, looking at it has caused me to find beauty within an ordinary object; one carefully constructed via careful light-and-dark compositions. It almost glows. Curator: It provides valuable information, an honest snapshot of a time. Editor: I find it formally quite stimulating!