Bishop Hill: Large Silver Spoon c. 1939

Here we see Archie Thompson's depiction of two spoons, rendered in watercolor and graphite. Utensils, seemingly humble, carry deep cultural weight. A spoon transcends mere functionality; it embodies nourishment, sustenance, and even communal ritual. Think back to the ancient world, where similar vessels were used in religious ceremonies, offering sustenance to gods or guiding souls in the afterlife. We find spoons depicted in Egyptian tombs, symbols of provision and eternal care. The act of eating, of being fed, is deeply connected to primal instincts and familial love. Consider, too, how the spoon has morphed across time. From crude, carved wood to gleaming silver, its form reflects evolving social norms and economic status. Has Thompson's spoon been passed through family lines? Or is it a mere object of utility, stripped of deeper meaning? Perhaps, in capturing the form of the spoon, Thompson sought to tap into a deeper collective memory.