Shaker Cabinet c. 1937

This “Shaker Cabinet” was made by John W. Kelleher, sometime between 1855 and 1995, we don’t know the exact date, using watercolour, graphite, and coloured pencil. The palette is like a sun-bleached wood – a harmony of tans and oranges that bring an appealing warmth to the piece. What I love about this piece is how it highlights the beauty of simple form. The lines are so clean, almost architectural, and the artist really pays attention to the surface of the wood. You can almost feel the grain, the texture, and the smoothness of the cabinet. The subtle shadows cast by the small doorknobs and edges create depth and emphasize the physicality of the object. This piece reminds me of Agnes Martin, another artist who found profound depth in simplicity, who often used the grid and subtle colour to create meditative spaces. Artmaking is a conversation across time, and each piece invites us to see the world a little differently.