Candlestick c. 1936

Janet Riza made this drawing of a candlestick, its date unknown, with graphite on paper. The blending and shading reminds us that drawing is not always about outlines, but about building up tone, like layering meaning. The metal of the candlestick is given depth by the artist’s subtle and skilled hand, working to capture the play of light. Look at the way the circular forms of the base and the handle contrast with the sharp vertical of the candle holder. I am also drawn to the buildup of marks around the top of the candle holder, perhaps capturing old wax drips, evidence of previous use. It's as if the drawing itself holds a memory. I am reminded of Morandi’s still life paintings, which also show a fascination with humble objects, elevated by the artists’ focused attention. Like Morandi, Riza helps us to see the extraordinary in the ordinary. The beauty of art is that it transforms the way we perceive things.