Tailor's Stove c. 1939

John Bodine, who lived a long life, made this drawing of a 'Tailor's Stove,' though we don't know exactly when. The stove sits squarely on the page, depicted with soft, muted colors that give it a sense of warmth and familiarity. I imagine Bodine carefully sketching each detail—the floral patterns etched into the metal, the delicate curves of the legs, and the worn surface of the tray holding the tailor's tools. You can see the attention to detail but the drawing has a soft, imprecise look. It is a drawing of an object, but not one to be confused with its likeness; it’s more like an homage. What was Bodine thinking as he made this? Was it a celebration of craftsmanship? A nostalgic look back at a simpler time? Maybe he had been a tailor himself! It speaks to the way everyday objects can become imbued with meaning and emotion when viewed through the eyes of an artist. And how a simple drawing can spark our own memories, stories, and interpretations.