-Trumpeting Elephant- still bank c. 1930

Editor: So this adorable object is called "-Trumpeting Elephant- still bank" and it's from around 1930. It's made of metal and enamel. I find the faded green really charming; it feels both childlike and nostalgic. What catches your eye when you look at this piece? Curator: Immediately, I’m drawn to the materiality. We see cast iron transformed into something playful. Enamel was frequently used in domestic items during this period because it was affordable and durable, making it accessible to many households for everyday savings. Where do you think such "folk-art" intersected with mass production in the 1930s? Editor: I suppose it made art more democratic. A design could be easily reproduced and distributed to people who maybe wouldn't have access to original art pieces. But does that cheapen it in any way? Curator: That’s the critical question! Consider the labor involved: from the initial design and casting process to the enamel application and eventual wear. This wasn't made by hand necessarily, but by people, in specific material conditions. How does that influence our understanding of 'value' in art? Editor: I hadn’t really thought about that! I guess I see the scratches and fading differently now, it's almost like seeing a history of the object's use and how people related to it. Curator: Exactly! It challenges the traditional hierarchy, suggesting a re-evaluation of these often-overlooked objects. What seemed ‘simply charming’ now tells a rich tale about production, labor, and consumption. Editor: I will never look at another vintage coin bank the same way again. Thank you. Curator: The pleasure is all mine. Always look beyond the surface.