Pewter Syrup Jar c. 1937

Harry Mann Waddell made this drawing of a pewter syrup jar with pencil on paper. I love drawings like this that capture everyday objects. It allows you to notice small details of things you might otherwise overlook. I can imagine the artist sitting at a table, carefully observing the light reflecting off the metal surface, trying to capture the subtle shifts in tone and form. I wonder what he thought about while drawing this object: was it in his home? How often did he use it? You know, sometimes drawing everyday objects can be an act of meditation. I can see how he's used the pencil to create a range of grays, giving the jar a sense of volume and depth. Ultimately, works like this remind me that art doesn’t have to be loud or flashy to be meaningful. Sometimes, the most profound things are the simple, quiet moments that we often miss.