Boy's Dress c. 1937

This drawing of a Boy’s Dress was made by Nancy Crimi, some time before she died in 1995. Look closely, and you’ll see that Crimi used a very light touch and delicate colour palette. It’s almost as if she’s coaxing the dress into existence, allowing the process of creation to guide the image. The flowers are small, red with touches of purple, and feel a little faded, or maybe period appropriate. The fabric appears lightweight. The artist's hand is evident in the gentle shading that gives the dress its form. The texture is smooth, without the thick impasto of oil paint; the application is careful and precise. This piece reminds me a bit of Fairfield Porter, who also found beauty in the everyday. Like Porter, Crimi invites us to see the poetry in ordinary objects, suggesting that art is not just about grand gestures, but also about quiet observation and careful attention to detail. Ultimately, this work is an exercise in seeing and feeling.