"Safe" Bank c. 1938

William O. Fletcher made this watercolor drawing of a "Safe" Bank, and honestly, it feels both solid and dreamlike. The color palette is muted, mostly browns and reds, giving it an antique feeling, like something unearthed from a dusty attic. Look at the texture Fletcher creates. It’s all watercolor, but he builds up layers to mimic the rough surface of the metal. The way he renders the light catching on the edges, you can almost feel the weight of the object. Notice the top of the bank, with its circular pattern, how each little indentation is carefully shaded to give it depth. It’s this attention to detail that makes the piece so compelling. This drawing reminds me of Joseph Cornell's shadow boxes, where everyday objects are transformed into something magical. There's a sense of nostalgia and curiosity, inviting you to invent your own narrative. Art isn’t about fixed meanings, it’s about sparking a dialogue.