Buttons 1935 - 1942

Charlotte Winter, who lived from 1855 to 1995, made this lovely study of buttons using what looks like watercolor or gouache on paper. I love how simple and direct the marks are, each button rendered with a kind of care and precision. It’s not about showing off, it's about taking the time to really see these everyday objects. The paper is a warm, aged cream, which makes the colors of the buttons pop even more. There’s a turquoise one that really grabs my attention – it’s so vibrant against the muted tones of the paper. You can almost feel the texture of each button, like the artist really took the time to observe every little detail, the subtle gradations of color, the way light hits each surface. I like to think that Winter was thinking about the people who would have worn these buttons, and the clothes that they were attached to. This reminds me a little of Agnes Martin's work – that same quiet intensity and attention to detail. Both artists remind us that art can be found in the everyday, if we just take the time to look. Ultimately, the meaning of this piece is open for each viewer to interpret in their own way.