"Sailor Jack" Whirligig 1939

Frances Cohen made this "Sailor Jack" Whirligig, date unknown, from wood and paint, and there's something so satisfying about its simplicity. It's not about perfection but about the joy of making. Look at how the red paint is applied, almost like it's been scrubbed into the wood, giving it a texture that feels worn and loved. The way Cohen has used a limited palette and simple shapes adds to its charm, a sort of naive directness that is so appealing. The arms are thin and angular, and the paddle held aloft seems oversized, like a child's drawing brought to life. It reminds me a little of Forrest Bess, another artist who wasn't afraid to embrace the raw and unrefined. Ultimately, art is about communication and connection, and sometimes, the simplest gestures speak the loudest.