Shaker Desk c. 1937

Anne Ger made this Shaker Desk, probably in the mid-20th century, with what looks like watercolor on paper. I love the way she hasn’t tried to dazzle us with virtuosity, but rather used a muted palette and an even touch, as if to say, "this is how you do it," laying out the construction step-by-step. You can almost feel the grain of the wood, not because it’s hyper-realistic, but because the colors have this matte, chalky quality, like dry pigment. Notice how Ger renders the play of light across the surfaces, using subtle gradations and shadows to give depth and volume to the desk. There's a kind of diagrammatic clarity to the way she’s handled the wood, the colors are simple, but the effect is profound, in that minimalist way. Ger’s image is reminiscent of the work of Charles Demuth, with his interest in architectural precision and clean lines. Both artists share a deep appreciation for the beauty of simple forms. Art is just one big conversation, isn't it? Ger's drawing invites us to consider the interplay between functionality and aesthetics, and to find beauty in the everyday objects that surround us.