Small Plate or Saucer c. 1937

John Matulis made this drawing of a small plate or saucer, we don't know exactly when. It's simple but striking, with a muted palette that gives it a kind of timeless feel. The texture in this piece is what grabs me. Look at the way Matulis renders the woven texture of the plate, each strand carefully delineated. You can almost feel the roughness of the material. Then there's that golden squiggle in the center, contrasting against the brown. It feels like a flash of inspiration, a spontaneous gesture captured in a still life. The whole thing has a meditative quality, like Matulis was really present with the object, letting its form and texture guide his hand. It reminds me a bit of Agnes Martin's quiet, contemplative drawings, where simple lines and grids become a vehicle for something deeper. Art, like life, is full of these quiet moments if you just take the time to notice.