Diaper Covers c. 1936

Gladys Cook made this drawing of diaper covers sometime during her lifetime with pencil on paper. What strikes me first is the simplicity of the subject matter, rendered with such delicate care. The graphite lines are thin, almost tentative, yet they confidently describe the form and details of these humble garments. Notice the subtle shading that gives the fabric a sense of volume, especially around the ruffled edges. You can almost feel the softness of the material. It’s as if Cook isn’t just documenting an object, but imbuing it with a sense of tenderness and attention. The loose rendering of the diaper covers makes me think of Agnes Martin's grids. There’s an intimacy here, a quiet appreciation for the everyday objects that surround us. It’s a reminder that art can be found in the most unexpected places, and that even the simplest things can be worthy of our attention.