Silver Mug c. 1936

Michael Fenga made "Silver Mug" using graphite on paper, and what strikes me first is the process of careful observation and translation. Look closely, and you'll see the subtle gradations of tone, creating the illusion of a reflective surface. It's as if Fenga is trying to capture the very essence of light bouncing off metal. And it’s a study, a working drawing. We see, in addition to the mug, a section of the handle in isolation, and a study of the mug, giving us its dimensions. Notice how, in the main image of the mug, the graphite is applied in layers, building up depth and volume? There's a real sensitivity in the way Fenga handles the medium. The process is very apparent. This reminds me of the still life drawings of Morandi, who also spent his life dedicated to the close scrutiny of a few simple objects. "Silver Mug" invites us to slow down and appreciate the beauty of the everyday. It's a reminder that art is as much about the process of seeing as it is about the final product.