Mortar and Pestle c. 1937

Wellington Blewett made this drawing of a mortar and pestle, we don’t know when, with what looks like pencil or graphite on paper. The approach to mark-making is methodical, and there's something so satisfying about that. It feels like the kind of art-making that’s a form of careful observation, like a meditation. The wood grain on the mortar and pestle is captured in precise detail, giving a sense of the objects’ weight and texture. Look at the way Blewett uses line to define the curves and contours of the wood, and how the simple color palette emphasizes the natural beauty of the material. It's not flashy, but there is a quiet, unassuming quality to the whole thing. For me, Blewett's drawing shares a similar sensibility to Giorgio Morandi’s still life paintings. Both artists find beauty in the ordinary, inviting us to slow down and appreciate the simple things in life. This drawing reminds us that art can be found in the most unexpected places.