Pottery Jar with Lid c. 1938

Editor: Here we have Annie B. Johnston's "Pottery Jar with Lid," dating back to around 1938. It seems to be a rendering of a ceramic jar using drawings and watercolors. The artwork has a quiet, unassuming presence. What stands out to you as you view this piece? Curator: It's a wonderful object to consider. It is seemingly mundane, yet the cultural memory it evokes is significant. Think about what jars like this were historically used for. Preserving food, yes, but also keeping precious items safe, both tangible and, metaphorically, emotional. What does it mean to you that Johnston chose to depict this, of all objects? Editor: Perhaps it's a way to honor the everyday objects and domestic life of the time? A form of preservation in itself? Curator: Precisely. And it points towards a particular cultural aesthetic, the importance of home, self-sufficiency, and the careful stewardship of resources. Notice how Johnston’s rendering almost sanctifies the jar. It's presented isolated, self-contained, almost like an icon. Do you see any psychological projection? Editor: It's interesting you mention projection. It feels very stoic and grounded, a visual representation of reliability and perhaps the self. Curator: I agree, there's an inherent sense of steadfastness. Think also about the symbolism of containers throughout history: wombs, graves, treasure chests... Johnston's work invites us to ponder what we, as individuals and as a society, deem worthy of safeguarding. Editor: It definitely provides more layers to ponder than I initially thought. Thank you for sharing that perspective. Curator: And thank you for prompting the discussion; these seemingly simple images are always the most profound!