Preserve Jar c. 1936

John Matulis made this artwork, Preserve Jar, sometime in the 20th century. I can almost feel the artist’s hand carefully layering the paint to bring this jar to life. The earthy palette of browns and yellows gives it a grounded feel, like something you might find in your grandma's kitchen. I wonder what Matulis was thinking as he painted. Maybe he was drawn to the jar's simple, functional beauty? I'm thinking about the way he captured the jar's texture with such precision. The paint isn't thick, but it's applied in a way that gives the surface depth. You can almost feel the cool, smooth ceramic beneath your fingertips. The little variations in color and tone, the way the light catches the curves—it’s all so carefully observed. It reminds me of other artists who find beauty in everyday objects, like Giorgio Morandi with his bottles, or even Wayne Thiebaud and his cakes. There’s something about elevating the mundane that feels profound. They show us how artists are always talking to each other across time, remixing and responding to ideas.