Shaker Table c. 1936

Curator: Before us is "Shaker Table," a watercolor attributed to Ray Holden, created around 1936. Editor: My first thought is how stark and lonely this little table seems. The minimalist approach amplifies that feeling. It is not idealized. Curator: The Shakers were all about that pared-down aesthetic. Every design choice reflects spiritual and communal values—honesty, utility, perfection, and communal living, free of excess and vanity. Notice the turned legs. Editor: It seems significant to consider context here. This was created during the Depression, so ideals of self-sufficiency and austerity take on heightened meaning. What were the cultural associations of the Shakers at this point in time? Were they idealized for a certain lifestyle? Curator: Certainly. Shaker design by the 1930s represented integrity to many people. Even the light itself—the artist catches the natural light, highlighting simplicity. The artist even included drop leaves to allow for flexibility. Shakers saw light as a symbol of divine presence, hence the minimalist aesthetic, which was intended to purify the soul and to enhance focus upon one's spiritual relationship. Editor: Absolutely. The shadow it casts reinforces this austerity. The almost sterile white backdrop evokes the period. But also, consider how these crafted, handmade items acquire renewed cultural relevance as alternatives to mass-produced consumer goods during this time. Curator: Right. It’s about what the object *represents*. By capturing this everyday object, Holden inadvertently captured values which reflected much deeper communal identities during this moment. The image reminds us that our homes, as bell hooks argued, can serve as a site of resistance. Editor: Well, by highlighting these simple ideals—maybe this watercolor captures hope and defiance during this period? Thank you for a refreshing viewpoint. Curator: It certainly encourages us to think differently about an oft-forgotten time.