Clam Rake c. 1936

William Mills made this drawing of a clam rake, oyster, and hard shell clam. There’s a certain beauty in how Mills has captured these everyday objects. Imagine him, pencil in hand, carefully rendering the rake's form and the subtle textures of the shells, all while the actual objects sit nearby. I can really imagine him thinking about the intricacies of each form, like the rake's tines that curve and create an open space within the rectangle. He clearly delights in the details of each component, as seen in the separate studies of the steel key. His careful markings are soft and create an ephemeral sense of wonder for these objects. You can see his interest in tools and how they function, which reminds me of other artists, like Jasper Johns, who elevated common objects into art. In doing so, Mills brings forth a conversation about the value we place on everyday life. It’s a reminder that art isn’t just about grand statements; it’s about noticing the quiet beauty in the ordinary.