Butter Mold c. 1937

Editor: Here we have Wellington Blewett's "Butter Mold," created around 1937. It seems to be a drawing, perhaps in watercolor or charcoal. I find it so interesting that an everyday object like a butter mold would be the subject of artistic study. What does this piece evoke for you? Curator: This image speaks volumes about the early 20th century and the institutional shaping of what was considered worthy of artistic representation. Blewett's choice to depict humble, domestic objects connects to a broader Arts and Crafts movement and its valuing of handmade items. Notice how the drawing’s realism emphasizes the texture and form of the mold. How do you think this emphasis challenges or reinforces existing social hierarchies surrounding art? Editor: I see your point about the Arts and Crafts movement influencing this, it definitely gives the drawing a certain weight and significance that I hadn't considered. But did these molds really reflect a democratizing spirit, or were they primarily accessible to certain classes? Curator: That’s a crucial question! While ostensibly celebrating the handmade, the art world, including exhibitions and sales, can perpetuate class distinctions through access and valuation. Are we meant to admire the beauty in utility, or reflect on the socioeconomic disparities reflected in its accessibility? How was the depicted artwork displayed? Was it sold, and who bought it? Editor: Interesting! I hadn't considered the artwork's social context and the dynamics of display and patronage. Thanks! I will do more research. Curator: Examining its reception reveals its social function as art, rather than solely as functional mold, as well as our expectations about artistic subjects and how art reflects power structures.