Trivet c. 1937

This drawing is by Joseph Stonefield, an artist who lived a long life, dying in 1995. The image is of a trivet, and is made with graphite on paper. Look at how Stonefield coaxes form out of such simple means; the careful modulation of tone, creating a sense of volume and depth. It reminds me that art is a process of discovery. We often start with a simple idea, a sketch, or a color, and through the act of making, we uncover something new. The trivet itself is so humble, domestic, a functional object elevated to art. I am drawn to how the artist focuses on the trivet’s functional design, the way the supports are depicted, and the metallic sheen that the pencil recreates. Stonefield’s drawing reminds me of the art of Giorgio Morandi. Both artists share a fascination with the beauty of everyday objects, and a commitment to exploring the endless possibilities of simple forms. Art is an ongoing conversation, an exchange of ideas across time.