Pa. German Deep Dish c. 1936

Agnes Karlin made this watercolour drawing of a Pa. German Deep Dish. The work feels like an attempt to capture the deep dish from every angle: the overall shape, the design features, the measurements. The dark brown perimeter of the dish contrasts with the orange interior of the vessel, which features small organic patterns in ochre, cream, and black. Imagine Karlin’s dedication to closely observing the dish to capture its unique characteristics. What was she thinking as she worked? Maybe she was thinking about how this kind of art from ordinary life can endure. I feel she invites us to pause and consider the quiet beauty of everyday objects. Artists are always in conversation, so the next generation will carry on the exchange of ideas, reminding us of the beauty in simplicity and the enduring appeal of folk art traditions.