Ox Cart Chair c. 1939

Wilbur M Rice made this ‘Ox Cart Chair’ out of watercolor. You can really see the hand of the artist. The evenness of the colour suggests that Rice applied the paint in layers, building up the tone slowly and carefully. What strikes me about this picture is the woven seat. Rice renders the woven straw with such care, each strand distinct and precisely delineated. The earthy tones of the chair contrast against the pale background, making it feel sculptural and almost photographic in its realism. The care and attention that Rice brings to the painting of this humble object reminds me a little of the quiet still lives of Giorgio Morandi. Like Morandi, Rice elevates a simple, functional object into something worthy of contemplation. It invites us to consider the beauty of everyday objects and to appreciate the skill and craftsmanship that goes into their making. It’s a beautiful exercise in slowing down and looking closely.