Clock c. 1936

This is a pencil drawing of a clock by Lawrence Phillips, but we don't know exactly when it was made. I'm just imagining Phillips, bent over his drafting table, trying to capture every detail, every measurement just so. The lines are precise, almost architectural. There’s a top plan, a front and side elevation, even a detailed study of the hands, floating above like a ghostly presence. It reminds me of a stage set design, or something by Agnes Martin. It’s a plan for something to be built. But it’s also a record of the artist's attention. It's a beautiful meditation on time. You know, Phillips died in 1995, so I wonder if he ever did build it? I hope so!