Painted Wooden Chest or Casket c. 1939

Roy Moon, born in 1855, who lived a long life until 1995, painted this wooden chest, or casket, with what looks like simple house paint. I imagine him carefully applying these vibrant blooms to the dark background, maybe in a shed or barn with the smell of wood and linseed in the air. The paint seems pretty thin, almost like watercolor, allowing the wood grain to peek through, giving it a rustic feel. I’m really drawn to the flowers on the lid; their loose, playful gesture suggests movement and life. The artist's hand is evident, and there's something really appealing in its directness. You see folk art objects like this, and you can tell someone really cared for them. It’s a humble object, but through the act of painting it has become something truly special. It reminds me that art isn’t about perfection, but about making and seeing.