Woman's Shoe c. 1937

This pencil drawing of a woman's shoe was made by Charles Garjian; we don’t know when, but he lived a long life, from 1855 to 1995. It's fascinating how Garjian lays down these almost grey washes, soft and subtle, to suggest the shoe's form and the way light falls on it. You can almost feel the give of the leather. I’m drawn to the way the buttons are rendered, each one a tiny, perfect circle, marching up the side of the boot. They're so meticulously placed, creating this delicate rhythm. It speaks to the artist's eye for detail, and perhaps to his patient exploration of form. It reminds me a little of the work of Giorgio Morandi, who also found endless fascination in the quiet observation of everyday objects, like bottles and bowls. Both artists teach us to slow down and really see the beauty in the ordinary. Art isn't always about grand statements; sometimes, it's about noticing the subtle elegance of a simple shoe.