Shaker Tilting Chair c. 1937

John W. Kelleher made this drawing of a Shaker Tilting Chair, but we don’t know exactly when or with what. Look at this honey-colored chair. Kelleher has carefully rendered the wood-grain and woven seat. See how it gives a feeling of depth and texture? I love how he captures the subtle shadows. The black caps on the feet of the chair make it look like it is wearing little shoes. The drawing has a clean, quiet presence, a sense of stillness that makes me think of Agnes Martin. I like the idea of drawing as a way of looking, a meditation on an object. Kelleher invites us to really consider this simple, elegant form, and in doing so, to appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship of everyday things. It reminds us to slow down, to notice the quiet moments, and to find beauty in the ordinary.