Silver Teapot c. 1938

Hester Duany made this drawing of a silver teapot, we don't know exactly when, using graphite and colored pencil on paper. Look at the way she’s built up the form with careful gradations, pushing and pulling the light across the surface. It’s all about process, right? Layering and blending to get that gleam. There's something so satisfying about the textures she’s created. The smooth, almost buttery feel of the silver against the stark contrast of the handle. See how the light catches the engraved monogram? It’s a tiny detail, but it tells a whole story. The drawing is a balancing act. It captures the essence of the teapot without getting bogged down in unnecessary detail. It reminds me a little of Morandi, the way he would zero in on a few simple objects and find endless variations of light and form. Art is such a cool, ongoing conversation. No fixed meanings, just endless possibilities.