Shaker Desk c. 1937

This drawing of a Shaker desk was made by Anne Ger in muted shades of reddish-brown. I imagine her setting up her easel, feeling the quiet stillness in the air, and methodically mapping the angles, planes, and volumes of the object in front of her. It’s like she’s not just depicting this desk but also trying to understand how each part relates to the whole. There is a gentle touch to the brushstrokes, and the texture of the paper gives it a softness. As an artist, you’re in constant dialogue with the past and the present, taking cues and expanding on them. Anne Ger might have looked at the work of other painters who depicted furniture or interiors and added her perspective through the lens of her artistic sensibility. It's not just about replicating a thing but bringing your interpretation to it. Each mark you make is a tiny piece of yourself.