Highboy c. 1938

Charles Squires made this Highboy sometime in the 20th century with watercolor and graphite. The way Squires used the materials, it wasn't about hiding the process, but letting it be part of the conversation. Looking closely, you can see how the washes of color create a kind of shimmering effect across the surface of the highboy, especially in the wood grain. The color isn't just laid down flat; it feels like it's been coaxed and encouraged to bloom, like watching a watercolor flow across wet paper. There is real detail in the legs, you can see where the graphite lines have been used to create a sense of depth and shadow, giving the piece a grounded, almost architectural presence. It reminds me a bit of the early studies of furniture by Bauhaus artists, who were also interested in the beauty of functional objects. Ultimately, this is about seeing the world in a new way.