Pa. German Toy Bellows Rooster c. 1936

This Pa. German Toy Bellows Rooster, was made with what looks like watercolor by John Fisk. It's all warm tones and earthy colors, making the rooster seem both familiar and a little surreal, perched on a rectangular block with springy legs. I’m thinking about the artist’s hand, imagining them carefully layering the washes of color, maybe struggling to get the right balance between realism and folk art charm. I wonder, were they smiling while making this, thinking about how toys make us feel? The lines are delicate, almost hesitant, as though the rooster might take flight if they become too bold. I particularly love the way the tail feathers are rendered, with these soft, feathery strokes that create a sense of depth and movement. It reminds me a little bit of Arthur Dove, another artist who found beauty in simple things. Ultimately, this rooster speaks to the power of art to transform the ordinary into something extraordinary. It is a reminder that inspiration can be found in the most unexpected places.