Pa. German Covered Dish c. 1938

Alvin Shiren made this drawing of a Pennsylvania German Covered Dish at some point during his long life. The careful application of watercolor brings this little piece of pottery to life, with a muted palette that speaks to its age. You know, the thing that grabs me about this drawing is how Shiren turns a simple object into something that feels almost monumental. It's like he's inviting us to really consider the beauty in the everyday. The way he models the curves and the shadows, there is a real appreciation for the form. It reminds me of Giorgio Morandi. Shiren's drawing isn't just a depiction of an object; it's a quiet conversation between the artist and the world, a testament to the enduring power of observation.