Waste Bowl 1936

Editor: Here we have "Waste Bowl," a watercolor drawing on ceramic made in 1936 by J. Howard Iams. It’s a simple yet elegant rendering of a bowl with floral designs. It almost feels nostalgic. What layers do you see beneath the surface, in terms of historical or cultural relevance? Curator: Well, on one level, this appears to be a straightforward representation of domestic object, created during a period marked by profound economic and social upheaval. But let’s think critically about the idea of "waste" here. Waste in relation to mass production and the throwaway culture that was accelerating during this time. Editor: That’s fascinating. I hadn't considered the object's purpose beyond its surface design. Is the "waste" significant culturally? Curator: Absolutely. Consider how the seemingly simple depiction of a waste bowl connects to larger conversations about consumption, class, and environmental awareness that gained significant momentum throughout the twentieth century and persist today. In this image we may consider the intersections of domesticity, consumerism, and waste as emerging socio-political issues that continue to affect us. Editor: So, beyond just being a drawing of a pretty bowl, it acts as a mirror reflecting society’s relationship with resources and disposal? Curator: Precisely. The choice of subject itself raises questions about the artist's commentary, and what our own values were and are when we assess artistic choices. Editor: This has definitely shifted my perspective. Now, I see it less as a pretty piece of craft and more as an inquiry into societal norms and environmental impact. Thank you! Curator: And thank you! Thinking about these objects through a critical lens helps us understand art as part of a much larger, more complex story.