Trivet c. 1942

This drawing of a Trivet, of unknown date, was made by Clarence W. Dawson, in what seems to be watercolor on paper. You can see the careful attention in Dawson’s marks and color, as the process of drawing becomes a kind of meditation. What I find interesting is the way the materiality of the trivet, its cool metallic surface, is so carefully rendered. Dawson is highlighting the intricate details of its design. Look at how the delicate balance between transparency and opacity in the watercolor creates depth. Those subtle shifts in tone around the ornate curls! It's this careful layering that really brings the object to life. This image reminds me of the work of contemporary artist, Jennifer Bartlett, who also used everyday objects as a springboard for exploring ideas about perception and representation. Ultimately, art is a conversation across time, where artists build on each other's ideas and insights.