Compote 1935 - 1942

Helen Hobart made this 'Compote' with graphite on paper. It looks like she built it up slowly, methodically, with thousands of tiny marks. It's a real act of devotion. I am completely drawn into the subtle gradations of tone. It's almost monochromatic, but in that limited palette, there's a huge amount of depth and variation. Look at the way she renders the fluted edges of the bowl – each one slightly different, catching the light in its own way. There's a real sense of weight and volume, but also a kind of ethereal quality, like it's about to disappear. I think of Giorgio Morandi, with his quiet, contemplative still lifes. Both artists share a similar approach to seeing, finding endless possibilities within a very constrained set of parameters. It's a reminder that art isn't about grand gestures or flashy effects; it's about paying attention, slowing down, and really seeing what's in front of you.