Pitcher 1937

Curator: Looking at this delightful piece, what first comes to mind for you? Editor: The word "fragile." It's a whispered fragility, though. Like a secret the light's trying to keep from spilling. Curator: We’re looking at "Pitcher," a watercolor and drawing created in 1937 by John Tarantino. What's striking is his rendering of transparency. Editor: I find the choice of subject fascinating. A simple, utilitarian object, elevated through technique. It makes me consider the poetry in the everyday. Did the artist use this, hold this? Curator: The precision suggests careful observation, perhaps even repeated handling. Watercolors can be tricky, unforgiving. Controlling the washes to mimic the reflective nature of glass—that's a skill born of deep familiarity and practice. Editor: Absolutely. And the lines give the illusion of volume with hardly any shadow play! It's interesting because the lines also add such an airiness, almost a blueprint quality that I'm drawn to. Curator: And that evokes broader implications: consumer culture during the Depression. Everyday objects received considerable design focus, though scarcity reigned. Editor: Ah, interesting perspective! I guess the object can speak to those larger forces too! I get so caught up in just the light and beauty. Curator: It speaks on many levels. I can see why you're drawn to the light—the translucent teal whispers of water and evokes the object’s intended function. It hints at optimism despite adversity. Editor: That is really neat. Okay, I see more deeply. Curator: A deceptively simple drawing that unpacks ideas about utility, beauty, and artistic process. Editor: Exactly, and hopefully a little water is spilled every now and again! Thanks!