Bed c. 1936

Otto E. Hake's watercolor of a bed, dimensions and scale included, is a beautiful example of the relationship between design and art. I can just imagine Hake carefully planning and executing each brushstroke, patiently building up the subtle nuances of colour and shadow to create a sense of depth and form. The wood grain is so smooth, and the pineapple finials add a touch of whimsy and luxury. I wonder, were they thinking about who would sleep in it? How they would feel? As a painter, I’m interested in the way this kind of close observation and rendering requires a certain kind of presence and connection. The act of recreating something in paint forces you to slow down, to really see, and to engage with the subject on a very intimate level. It becomes a conversation between the artist, the object, and the medium. I see in this work a bridge between different forms of making, where design and utility meet artistic expression. Hake’s "Bed" is not only a functional object, but also a testament to the enduring power of art to shape and enrich our lives.