Trammel c. 1939

Mary Hansen made this drawing of a Trammel with graphite and colored pencil on paper. I wonder what it was like for her to make this image? I picture her carefully studying the tool, trying to understand its form and function, then translating it into a two-dimensional representation. She probably thought a lot about the texture of the metal, how light reflects off its surface, and how to create a sense of depth and volume with just pencil and paper. The care she took is especially clear when you consider the level of detail, and how the Trammel is set against the unembellished surface. It reminds me of other artists who have explored similar themes of craftsmanship, labour, and the beauty of everyday objects. Like Charles Sheeler, for example, with his sharp focus and clarity of form. It makes you appreciate the skill and artistry involved in both making the original object and in representing it on paper.