Carved Box c. 1939

Here’s a drawing of a carved box by Charles Garjian, and what strikes me is the act of carving. It's a box, which means it holds something, and is precious. I imagine Charles with his tools, carefully chipping away at the wood, revealing these geometric patterns and floral motifs. Each cut is a decision, a commitment to the form, a slow meditative process. It reminds me of the care and attention we bring to things, a kind of devotion. Thinking of the box, maybe Garjian made it to keep something of his own safe, or to give a gift? The history of folk art tells us artists like Garjian often worked in isolation, developing their own visual language and approach to making. I like to think of him as an inspiration, inviting us to embrace the handmade and the personal in our own creative endeavors. Because isn't it nice to slow down, pay attention, and make something beautiful from scratch?