Lumberman's Brailing Pin c. 1942

Frank Volem made this drawing of a Lumberman’s Brailing Pin. It’s hard to say when, exactly, but Volem was born in 1855 and died in 1995. I’m struck by the earthiness of it. There’s a kind of reverence in the way it’s rendered, a plainspoken dignity. I love how the muted palette mimics the worn texture of the pin itself. You can almost feel the rust. The paper has aged to a warm, creamy tone, which provides a subtle contrast to the darker, more weathered object. It feels like an exercise in careful observation. It reminds me of Charles Burchfield, who also had a knack for finding beauty in the everyday, and elevating it. Ultimately, art’s about finding ways to see the world anew, right? Volem’s drawing is a gentle reminder to pay attention to the simple things, the tools that shape our lives, and the stories they hold within them.