Water Can c. 1939

Mildred Ford’s watercolor rendering of a “Water Can” presents a common household object with an uncommon level of detail, inviting us to consider the politics of imagery within everyday life. Painted in the United States, though the exact date remains unknown, Ford’s work is part of a broader movement of representing vernacular objects. The can, adorned with simple geometric patterns and a stylized dog, becomes a canvas reflecting American folk art traditions. Yet, by isolating and elevating this utilitarian object through the medium of fine art, Ford subtly critiques the traditional hierarchies of art. To truly understand Ford’s intentions, we might delve into the artistic and social contexts of her time. Resources like the Index of American Design, a vast archive of American material culture, could provide further insight. By exploring these avenues, we recognize that even the most humble objects carry layers of cultural meaning, challenging us to reconsider the value we place on art and its role in society.