Wooden Meal Scoop c. 1941

Wilbur M Rice made this "Wooden Meal Scoop," we don't know exactly when, using watercolor and graphite. He's given us something simple, but it’s also full of character. The colors are muted, like earth, and you can see the graphite lines underneath, a kind of raw honesty. It makes me think about how we build things, layer by layer. The scoop itself has this beautiful reddish-brown exterior, like sun-baked clay, and the inside is a gentle tan, showing the wood grain. The brushstrokes aren’t trying to hide; they're part of the story, like little whispers of how it was made. Look at the handle, how it curves, and the way the light catches the edge – it's so subtle, but it gives the whole thing life. It looks worn and well loved. It reminds me a bit of Milton Avery's watercolors, that same quiet appreciation for everyday objects. There's no drama, just a gentle invitation to slow down and really see what's in front of you. Art doesn't always have to shout; sometimes, it whispers.