Chest (Front View) c. 1936

Lawrence Flynn made this image of a chest, we don't know when, or with what, but look at the marks. They are so deliberate, so clearly made with a steady hand and a love for the process of embellishment. The base is a deep, earthy red, a grounding color, but then Flynn goes wild with the details. Swirls of white dance across the surface, creating a lively rhythm. See how the white paint is applied, not quite opaque, allowing the red to peek through, like a blush beneath the skin. Zoom in on the little vase of flowers—the shapes are so simple, almost childlike, but they're arranged with such care and attention. It reminds me of the work of Joseph Yoakum, another artist who found beauty in the everyday. Both artists invite us to see the world with fresh eyes, to appreciate the beauty in simplicity, and to find joy in the act of making. Art is a conversation across time.