Cap c. 1937

Roberta Spicer made this drawing of a cap, at an unknown date, using what looks like white ink on grey paper. The mark making is delicate and precise, like a spider web or the pattern of frost on a window. You get the sense that Spicer delighted in the process, slowly building up the image from tiny details. The physicality of the medium is so important here. The stark contrast between the white ink and the grey paper creates a ghostly effect, as if we're looking at a memory or a dream. Notice the way Spicer renders the lace trim of the cap – it's so intricate, almost obsessive, yet somehow still airy and light. That repetition is key. It reminds me a little of the work of Agnes Martin, in the sense of quiet dedication and attention to detail. Ultimately, Spicer's drawing celebrates the act of seeing itself, inviting us to slow down and appreciate the beauty of the everyday. It's a reminder that art doesn't always have to be loud or flashy; sometimes, the most profound statements are made in a whisper.