Clock 1936

This drawing of a clock was made by Lawrence Phillips, but we don’t know when. Phillips meticulously rendered this object with graphite and watercolor. The wood grain effect is especially interesting, achieved through subtle tonal variations. You can almost feel the smoothness of the wood! The drawing has a diagrammatic quality, like a technical illustration, and the color palette is simple. But that floral inlay adds a bit of whimsy. The way the artist has chosen to depict the object tells us that he wasn't only trying to copy it, but to understand how objects work in the world. It's like the clock is both an object and an idea, both functional and decorative. When I look at this drawing, I'm reminded of other artists, like Joseph Cornell, who imbue everyday objects with layers of meaning. Ultimately, art is a conversation, an exchange of ideas across time.