Pottery Basket 1939

This “Pottery Basket” was made by J. Howard Iams using watercolors and it's just terrific, isn't it? I love the way the simple, earthy palette focuses on process. The brushstrokes feel quick, confident, and purposeful. The paint isn’t overworked here. We see how the color builds in layers, creating a sense of depth and volume. The texture is smooth and fluid, with drips and subtle variations that add to its charm. Note the darker vertical brushstrokes running down the front of the basket, they really accentuate the form while adding a playful, spontaneous touch. I imagine Iams standing back, looking, and then splashing it on the page. I think Iams’s pottery basket shares some of the same sensibilities as the work of Giorgio Morandi, another artist who celebrated the beauty of everyday objects. But where Morandi’s work is quiet and contemplative, Iams's basket feels lively and immediate, capturing the simple pleasure of seeing. It's great how art can be a simple conversation, an ongoing dialogue across time, with each artist bringing their unique voice and perspective to the mix, what do you think?