Trivet c. 1942

This is Paul Poffinbarger's 'Trivet', made with watercolor and graphite on paper, a celebration of the everyday object. Poffinbarger's approach to rendering the trivet, is all about the gentle build-up of tone. It’s about seeing the world, bit by bit, mark by mark. Look closely at the way he models the handle of the trivet. The graphite and watercolour blend so seamlessly that the object almost seems to lift off the page. You can imagine him turning it in his hand, trying to understand all it's angles and curves. The colours are muted, almost monochromatic, giving the piece a timeless quality. It reminds me a little of the work of Giorgio Morandi, in its dedication to the quiet beauty of simple forms. Both invite us to slow down, to really see the world around us, and to find beauty in the unexpected.