Spade Bit c. 1939

Rose Campbell-Gerke made this drawing of a ‘Spade Bit’ with graphite and watercolor, on paper. I imagine Campbell-Gerke studying the metallic object in close detail, almost caressing the surface with a fine brush. The rendering is so detailed that it borders on abstraction. The shapes are clear, but also playful, and the palette is limited to browns, greys, and whites, giving it a muted, almost antique quality. There is an interest in texture and the play of light on the surface. The meticulous attention to detail makes me think of those old botanical drawings. I can picture Campbell-Gerke wanting to document something specific, with a deep appreciation for the craftsmanship of the object. The drawing has a quietness that invites contemplation, a reminder that even the most utilitarian objects can hold beauty and intrigue. Like those Surrealists drawing everyday objects… It makes you wonder what other ordinary things she found worthy of such careful observation. It is a humble and deeply personal gesture, and there is a joy of looking made visible.