Silver Salt Trencher c. 1939

Kalamian Walton made this drawing of a silver salt trencher on paper, but we don't know exactly when. What's striking is how the artist uses the pencil to mimic the reflective quality of silver. It's all about tone, isn't it? How the light gently rolls across the surface of the trencher, from dark to light and back again. There is a real sense of depth and roundness here, made entirely with subtle gradations of grey. Look closely, and you can see the individual strokes of the pencil, building up layer upon layer of tone, capturing the texture of the metal. It reminds me of some of the early minimalist drawings, where the process of mark-making becomes almost meditative. This piece makes me think of Vija Celmins and her drawings of everyday objects. Both artists share a similar focus on observation and a dedication to craft. Ultimately, art invites us to slow down, to really look, and to find beauty in the unexpected.