Clock c. 1938

John Dieterich made this clock drawing, we don't know exactly when, but what strikes me is its combination of precision and fantasy. It's like looking at a technical diagram infused with folk art sensibility. The linear quality of the drawing, all those careful circles and straight lines, suggests a very controlled process. But then you notice the decorative elements, the eagle perched on top, the nautical scene, and suddenly, it's not just about telling time. It's a story, a little world Dieterich has built. Look at the way the lines vary in thickness, a subtle modulation that gives the drawing depth and character. It reminds me of the way artists like Forrest Bess combine symbolic imagery with almost obsessive mark-making. Ultimately, what I love about this drawing is how it embraces both utility and imagination. It’s a reminder that art doesn't always have to be grand or monumental; it can be found in the everyday, in the things we use, and in the way we choose to see the world.