Wooden Stirrup c. 1941

Curator: Looking at Juanita Donahoo’s “Wooden Stirrup,” circa 1941, I’m immediately drawn to the stark contrast of the roughly textured wood against the plain background. It evokes a sense of solidity, of something grounded. What's your take? Editor: There’s a quiet strength here, an endurance. I think of horses, journeys, and a connection to the land. The stirrup isn't just an object, but a vessel for the stories of those who used it. Its texture speaks to the weathering of history. Curator: Indeed. And if we think about the 1940s, this was a period defined by global conflict, massive social upheaval and change. Donahoo's meticulous depiction of such a simple object could be seen as a commentary on grounding oneself amidst uncertainty, on finding stability in familiar, utilitarian items. A reaching back, if you will. Editor: I see the U-shape at the top echoing countless depictions of portals in mythology. The stirrup functions as both a grounding element, and a liminal object offering passage toward someplace else. A world on horseback, perhaps, that’s both practical and wildly mythic. The deep browns also resonate, recalling soil and growth. Curator: That’s a great point! Donahoo lived and worked through an era marked by shifting social paradigms, and racial injustice, which might influence how we read the object now, considering labor, exploitation, or maybe even empowerment, in that the means of mobility was not always equitably available. The visual language employed transcends its mere functionality, making it a potent artifact of its time, don’t you think? Editor: Absolutely. Donahoo elevates the quotidian. This unassuming stirrup gains new life precisely because the image reframes how we perceive cultural symbols. This simple object invites viewers to ponder bigger issues related to who controlled movement. Curator: Considering how symbols transform over time adds compelling layers of narrative to Donahoo’s drawing. Editor: The interplay of shadow and light creates an interesting push and pull. Considering what we know, it suggests a space where memory and experience converge, an artwork reflecting on the past while speaking directly to contemporary viewers.