Spoon 1905 - 1918

This silver spoon was made in Minneapolis between 1904 and 1918 by the Handicraft Guild. The small hammer marks across the surface of the spoon show the marks of making. You can really see the hand in this piece. The spoon is so pristine, so perfect, it appears almost too perfect to have been handmade. And yet the gentle hammering across the spoon's surface speaks of repetitive action. It must have taken a long time, I think, to craft something so functional and commonplace, yet so perfectly poised. I’m reminded of Agnes Martin’s paintings, the perfect lines and grids she drew over and over. Both are examples of how the repetition of simple processes can lead to something pretty wonderful. You might see influences of the Arts and Crafts movement here. There’s beauty to be found in utility and simplicity.