Pitcher c. 1937

Curator: This watercolor rendering presents us with a "Pitcher," created around 1937 by John Tarantino. There’s a subtle, quiet dignity to it, don’t you think? Editor: I do, and my first reaction is how carefully it represents a commonplace, industrially produced object, which almost glows under Tarantino's delicate touch. It's as though the artist gives presence to the means of production themselves. Curator: The rendering does highlight the objectness of the pitcher. Note the stenciled blue designs on its body. We can imagine this pitcher as an emblem of early American industry, connecting it to a long history of domestic craftsmanship. I sense nostalgia, don't you agree? Editor: Precisely, I'm considering how this work preserves the image and social status of factory-made stoneware. It brings us into the era when domestic ware started being widely consumed and appreciated. I also find it interesting how the floral motifs carry on traditions even in mass-produced ceramics. Curator: That’s a fine point. Those stylized cobalt decorations evoke, even simplify, traditional ceramic ornamentation. I find the persistence of these types of images significant. They provide an access point, connecting everyday utilitarian objects with deep-rooted traditions. Perhaps this kind of visual continuity offered reassurance as industrialization accelerated? Editor: I appreciate that reading. Looking at how he has depicted its glossy texture with watercolor washes, I almost imagine I can grasp its volume. Also the muted color scheme serves to enhance the sense of calm observation and respect for the form itself. It allows for a clear display of what the consumer of the time could obtain. Curator: In sum, Tarantino offers us something that exists beyond utility, but is clearly an artifact rooted in industry. It makes me think of hearth and home, and the stories held within those spaces, as the symbol connects across time. Editor: Yes, exactly! And by drawing attention to an object typically overlooked in traditional art, Tarantino reminds us of the significance and even the beauty inherent to industrial arts.