Candlestick Sconce 1935 - 1942

Majel G. Claflin made this drawing of a candlestick sconce sometime in the first half of the 20th century using what looks like gouache or tempera. I see an artist carefully outlining her forms, filling them with simple, flat colors, red, green and grey. The drawing has a lightness and a graphic quality that reminds me a little of Stuart Davis's work. But there's also something very personal, almost homemade about it. I can imagine her carefully rendering each diamond shape. It must have been fun, deciding on the color combinations. I love the way the candles are slightly melting, and the way the artist plays with symmetry, repeating the image of the sconce but not exactly replicating it. Artists are always looking at each other's work, riffing, and remixing. Claflin's drawing feels like part of that conversation, a playful and intuitive response to the world around her. It makes me want to go to my studio and start painting!