Griddlecake Turner and Fork c. 1937

Edward Loper made this drawing of a griddlecake turner and fork, we don't know when, but it's rendered with such quiet precision. It’s like he’s saying, "Look at these things, really look." I love how the artist’s hand coaxes out the subtle textures of the metal. The way the light catches those worn surfaces. The griddlecake turner, its edges softened by use, the fork's tines ever so slightly bent. The artist captures the essence of the things but also all of the accumulated history, or a history of use, the kind of use that carries memory and the traces of human interaction. Notice how the light seems to pool in the center of each utensil, creating a subtle luminosity. It reminds me of the way Giorgio Morandi elevated humble bottles to objects of profound contemplation. Loper makes you consider the beauty in the everyday. It's a lesson to remember, especially for artists: keep your eyes open, magic is everywhere.