Coffee Grinder c. 1940

Archie Thompson made this drawing of a coffee grinder, sometime around the late 20th century, with graphite and watercolour. It is fascinating to see how a humble domestic item is elevated through the simple application of line and colour. There's a real tactile quality here, the way the surface of the wood is rendered, with such care and precision. The different tones of brown and amber show the grain and the way light falls on it. Look closely and you can see where Thompson layered the washes of watercolour, building up depth and shadow. See how the bright red label pops against the muted wood tones? That little detail adds a touch of drama, almost a graphic element. This piece makes me think of the still-life paintings by Giorgio Morandi, who also found beauty and meaning in the everyday. Both artists invite us to slow down and appreciate the simple things in life, and recognise the potential of art to transform our perspective.