Jam Crock c. 1940

Carl Buergerniss made this watercolour, "Jam Crock," and I think it's about how the simplest things can be the most beautiful. It's all about the material here – you can almost feel the cool, slightly rough texture of the ceramic. The way he's layered the grays and browns, it's not just a flat surface, it's like a landscape in miniature. Look closely at the base, where the color shifts to a warmer tone, suggesting it's been sitting there for a while, gathering dust. I love that little imperfection at the top, a chip in the rim, it's like a tiny act of rebellion against perfection. It reminds me of Giorgio Morandi, who could turn a bottle into a monument. It's like Buergerniss is saying, "Hey, look at this ordinary thing. Isn't it amazing?"