Glass 1936

J. Howard Iams created this watercolor drawing, titled "Glass," sometime in his lifetime, capturing a moment of detailed observation. The dominant blue hue, articulated through layers of translucent washes, gives the glass a weighty yet ethereal quality. The clear, structured form invites an exploration of how basic shapes—ovals, circles, and cylinders—interact to define the object’s presence. Notice how the artist focuses on the interplay of light and shadow. The linear arrangement of small, white highlights around the base and along the body isn't just decorative; it enhances the dimensional effect. Iams employs these formal strategies to explore the perceptual experience of seeing, and the underlying architecture of vision itself. Consider too, the semiotic system at play; the glass as both functional object and symbol, rendered through a delicate balance of form and color, revealing a world where everyday items are transformed into subjects of aesthetic contemplation and philosophical inquiry.