Fish Net Mender c. 1940

This is "Fish Net Mender" by Dorothea Bates. Watercolour on paper, it's a very particular type of mark making, one of quiet observation, and I guess you could say, loving care. Look at the way the colour is built up in layers, thin washes, creating a sense of depth in this humble object. What really grabs me is the dedication to capturing the nuances of the wood grain, the way she meticulously renders each line and knot. I mean, Bates is really *looking* at this object. Think about the time and attention she must have invested in really seeing. It’s not just a depiction, it's almost like she's feeling her way around the form with her brush, building up the shadows and highlights. In a way, this reminds me of Morandi, with his still-life paintings of bottles, each one observed with such intensity. I think it speaks to the idea that art isn't always about grand gestures, sometimes it's about the subtle beauty of everyday objects, and the quiet act of paying attention.