Pottery Basket 1939

J. Howard Iams made this Pottery Basket drawing using watercolor, at a time unknown to us. Look at how the watery pigments pool and flow, creating a sense of depth. I can imagine Iams carefully layering the washes, building up the rich browns and earthy tones, one on top of the other. There’s something so simple, yet so satisfying, about this unassuming object. The brushstrokes capture the weight of the basket, while also communicating a sense of tenderness towards this everyday object. I am drawn to the way the vertical brushstrokes suggest subtle variations of tone and color. You can see the artist’s hand in the slight imperfections and variations, making it feel alive with character. I think the artist's choice of subject matter tells us something about his interests in the craft of painting. Like Morandi with his bottles, Iams seems to be using a simple object to explore subtle effects of light, color, and form. We feel as though we’ve joined him in the studio for a private moment of reflection.