Hinges and Bolt c. 1939

Manuel G. Runyan made this watercolor and graphite composition titled “Hinges and Bolt” and the image presents everyday hardware – things that are usually overlooked, not typically thought of as subjects worthy of artistic attention. The rust on the hinges and bolt speaks to the inherent qualities of the material – iron is strong, but also susceptible to decay. These objects were likely made through the labor-intensive process of blacksmithing. Notice the hand-wrought texture, the slight irregularities that a machine would never produce. Runyan, in choosing these utilitarian objects, asks us to consider the value of craft, the beauty in simple, functional forms, and the human effort embedded in their creation. This challenges the traditional hierarchy that places fine art above craft, and invites us to appreciate the artistry present in even the most humble of objects. So, the next time you see a hinge or a bolt, remember to consider the story of its making, and the human effort it represents.