Weather Vane 1935 - 1942

E.J. Gilsleider made this drawing of a weather vane, we don't know when, or with what. But it is a real object translated into two dimensions. Look closely at the lines, they build up a delicate impression of light hitting metal. See how the cross section with roses and leaves suggests growth, as if the metal sprouted from the ground. The materiality here is delicate: the surface of the drawing is relatively smooth, and the tools used – probably a pencil or pen – allow for fine, controlled lines. Notice how the artist uses hatching and cross-hatching to build up shadows and create a sense of volume, particularly on the leaves and the fish. It reminds me of the obsessive drawings of H.C. Westermann, and other artists who elevate craft and humble materials, so take your time and let your imagination run wild!