Candle Snuffer and Tray c. 1937

This watercolor painting of a candle snuffer and tray was made by Eleanor Gausser. The candle snuffer and tray are not traditional art materials, but rather everyday items found in the home. The snuffer, a scissor-like tool with a small box attached, was used to extinguish candles safely, while the tray collected any falling wax or soot. Note the attention to detail in Gausser's depiction of the tray's edges, and the snuffer's hinges, and the delicate handle. Looking at the image, we can consider the labor and craft involved in producing such objects. Metalworking, from forging the snuffer's blades to shaping the tray, demanded skilled hands and specialized tools. The repeated forms create a sense of rhythm, and a sense of labor intensity, whether this object was made in a factory or by a silversmith. By rendering these utilitarian objects with care and precision, Gausser elevates them, prompting us to consider the craftsmanship embedded in everyday life. This challenges the conventional separation between fine art and craft, inviting us to appreciate the artistry in the mundane.