Chest c. 1937

Editor: Here we have Charles Squires' "Chest," likely created around 1937. It’s a watercolor piece, and the detail is really striking. I am immediately drawn to the tactile, almost dreamlike quality. What do you see in it? Curator: I see a yearning for craft, for something solid and enduring in a world that was rapidly changing. The chest itself, meticulously rendered, is not just furniture; it’s a vessel of memories, hopes, secrets, isn't it? Look at the stylized flowers and arches; they hint at both tradition and an individual maker's touch. It is as though Squires wanted to preserve it for posterity! Doesn't the watercolor medium soften what would otherwise be the harsh reality of wooden edges and sharp carving? Editor: I can see that. The wood grain almost glows, which feels so unlike real heavy furniture. Curator: Exactly! And notice how the artist focuses primarily on the front panel and lets the sides remain somewhat simpler. It directs the eye but also asks you to consider the function. A chest protects its contents, so perhaps Squires is prompting us to consider what’s worth preserving in our own lives. What do you suppose we might want to lock away? Editor: Hmm. Maybe anxieties, perhaps? Or love letters! Curator: (chuckles) Perhaps a bit of both! What will you take away after looking closer? Editor: Definitely a greater appreciation for the beauty in the everyday, and the little stories that objects can tell. Curator: For me, this chest becomes a mirror, inviting us to reflect on the tangible and intangible things that truly matter. Beautiful!