Water Filter c. 1937

This is Gordena Jackson's 'Water Filter,' made with graphite on paper. I really get a sense of a quiet dedication from this one. The gray tones of the graphite give the drawing a feeling of stillness, but they also suggest a kind of elemental quality, like stone or metal. I love how the artist used the medium to create a sense of depth and volume. You can almost feel the weight of the object. It’s so carefully rendered, and the light and shadow give it this almost sculptural presence. The technical drawing in the corner is like a glimpse into Jackson's process, and it makes me think about the relationship between art and craft. There's something so satisfying about seeing an everyday object transformed through the artist’s attentive observation and skill. It shows how even the simplest things can be beautiful and thought-provoking when we take the time to really see them. It’s a kind of conversation between seeing and feeling.