Blown Glass 1935 - 1942

Janet Riza made "Blown Glass," with what looks like watercolour on paper, and you can see the hand of the artist right there in those marks. It's not a slick reproduction; it’s got a real intimacy to it. I love how the piece captures the essence of the vessel through a careful play of light and shadow. The texture is rendered so delicately; it makes you want to reach out and touch the surface. The choice of the purple colour really has a big impact here, it makes me feel warm, relaxed, and it evokes a sense of nostalgia. The small sketch in the top left corner feels like a little secret, a peek into the artist's thought process. Thinking about what the watercolor does here makes me think of Elizabeth Murray, or maybe even Giorgio Morandi. It’s like the artist is speaking to them, but also forging her own path. Art is all about these conversations, echoing and responding across time.