Centaur Weather Vane c. 1938

Editor: Here we have James McLellan's "Centaur Weather Vane" from around 1938, made using coloured pencil. The texture is really interesting – almost like a bronze sculpture but rendered in pencil. It's so solid and monumental! What strikes you about this piece? Curator: The process of transforming an idea for a functional object, a weather vane, into a representational drawing fascinates me. McLellan’s use of coloured pencil isn't merely decorative. Think about the labor involved. He's meticulously mimicking the qualities of tooled metal: the subtle shifts in color, the suggestion of weight and solidity. Consider, too, that during this period there was ongoing artistic exploration of what constitutes ‘high’ art and ‘low’ craft. Do you see this tension at play here? Editor: Definitely! The subject matter itself - a weather vane - is inherently practical, blurring that line. Is he trying to elevate a humble object through artistic skill? Curator: Precisely. By dedicating this much time and expertise to rendering what is essentially a design for a manufactured item, McLellan calls into question those very divisions. How does the finished drawing affect its eventual realization as a functional piece of craft? Does the inherent artistry impact its social use value or commodification? Editor: It adds a layer of intended artistry right at its source, doesn't it? I guess it could affect the price, adding value for a buyer looking for quality. Curator: Exactly! Furthermore, consider the broader social context: the Great Depression. This image reflects an emphasis on labor and potential future production that connects art to everyday life. Editor: That's something I hadn't considered. So it’s less about the mythological creature itself and more about the commentary on materials, production and value in a specific moment? Curator: The material reality and the work itself give form to new meanings! It seems to show a society in search of tangible commodities to guide direction – both literal (the weather vane) and metaphorical. It makes one realize the many forms and function that Art can acquire. Editor: Thank you! This definitely changes how I look at preliminary drawings for objects.