Andiron c. 1939

Herman Bader made this drawing of an Andiron, using what looks like graphite on paper. The range of tones created with the pencil makes me think about my own process, how a simple mark can build into an entire form. Looking closer, the surface is alive with tiny marks, almost like a topographic map of a strange planet. The subtle shading defines the contours of George Washington, standing proud on the Andiron. I'm drawn to the way Bader captures the texture of the metal, the subtle sheen that gives it a sense of weight and presence. You can imagine the coolness of the metal by the fire. It reminds me a little of Vija Celmins' drawings, in how she uses subtle tonal shifts to create a sense of depth and volume, which is amazing. Ultimately, the beauty of this piece lies in its simplicity and the way it invites us to slow down and contemplate the world around us.