Flatiron/Crimping Iron 1935 - 1942

Editor: Here we have Maurice Van Felix’s drawing, created sometime between 1935 and 1942, entitled "Flatiron/Crimping Iron," rendered meticulously in graphite. It strikes me as a study in contrasts – the object itself is so everyday, yet the artist has given it such careful attention, imbuing it with a sort of quiet dignity. What do you make of it? Curator: It's that everyday quality that grabs me, too. I wonder, could this simple household object be elevated, almost celebrated? Van Felix has taken something utilitarian, and through careful shading and form, made us reconsider it. It makes you think about the countless hours people spent on such tasks, doesn’t it? Almost like a meditation on domestic labor. Does it spark anything else for you? Editor: I’m thinking about the era, the 1930s and early 40s. Such simplicity. The artist’s decision to focus on such a modest object now feels more poignant. It’s like pausing amidst the chaos of history and saying, "look, even this matters." Curator: Exactly. Perhaps it is Van Felix honoring something constant in the face of rapid change, or perhaps he simply appreciated the beauty of the form. Look at the handle, almost anthropomorphic in its shape. It gives the object character. One could ponder endlessly about Felix’s intention here, I feel! Editor: You’ve made me see how this isn't just a picture of an iron; it's a silent poem about work, history, and finding beauty in the ordinary. Thank you! Curator: My pleasure. And now I see it a little differently too! It’s rather wonderful when art allows us that fresh perspective.