Mug c. 1937

Jessica Price made this drawing of a mug sometime in the 20th century. It is a lovely little drawing, and it’s interesting to think about how the artist constructed its form with such delicate washes of watercolor. I wonder about the choices she made as she worked. Did she start with the handle? I like to start with the part of the painting I’m most nervous about. The mug is slightly off-kilter, a bit wonky. But that’s what makes it so charming. You can see the artist’s hand in every stroke, every line. There’s a conversation happening between the artist and the object. This piece reminds me of the quiet still-life paintings by Giorgio Morandi. The way he captured the subtle nuances of color and light in everyday objects. Artists are always looking at each other, sharing ideas, inspiring each other to see the world in new ways. And maybe that's what art is all about, a way of seeing the world in new and unexpected ways.