Salt Cellar c. 1936

Here is John Tarantino’s drawing of a salt cellar, shimmering on paper in shades of mauve. It’s fascinating to think about what it was like for Tarantino to imagine such an object, turning it over and over in his mind, figuring out which angles would best capture its form and texture. I can imagine him being captivated by the light filtering through the glass, the way the facets catch and reflect the light. It’s not just about depicting an object, but about conveying a sense of its essence, almost like a portrait. He’s looking, thinking, feeling. I love that he’s included a detailed section in the corner, as though he’s thinking about this one jewel-like piece. It’s a reminder that artists are always in conversation, borrowing ideas, and reinterpreting forms, and this is how they create something new. The work contains a certain kind of magic and is open to endless possibilities and interpretations.