Crock c. 1940

This drawing of a crock, or an earthenware pot, was made by John Tarantino, though we don’t know exactly when. The lines are simple, direct, and kinda funny, aren't they? Look at how Tarantino uses line to suggest the roundness of the pot and the curve of the face. The lines aren't fussy, just confident strokes that capture the essence of the object. The eyes are particularly striking, those simple ovals with squiggles inside feel so expressive. There’s a raw quality that’s appealing. It reminds me a little of Guston's late work, where he embraced a more cartoonish style to address serious themes. Both artists share an interest in the power of simple forms and direct expression. But also maybe Picasso. Ultimately, art is always a conversation, with each artist building on the ideas of those who came before. It's less about answers and more about questions and possibilities.