Hose Holder c. 1938

Elmer G. Anderson crafted this piece, known as "Hose Holder," using wood. The composition immediately strikes one as emblematic, almost heraldic, dominated as it is by the commanding figure of an eagle. The choice of wood as a medium brings an intrinsic warmth and texture. Consider the interplay of forms: the rigid symmetry of the eagle's outstretched wings is softened by the baroque flourish of the scrolling elements beneath. This contrast introduces a dynamic tension, destabilizing any singular interpretation of nationalistic pride. The dark cavities create a semiotic rupture, puncturing any sense of complete or totalizing meaning, inviting viewers to question the symbols and their conventional associations. The Hose Holder is not merely a display of craftsmanship. It is a complex layering of signs and symbols that resists easy categorization and demands ongoing scrutiny.