Mortar and Pestle c. 1940

Clarence W. Dawson made this Mortar and Pestle, and the way it is painted is incredibly inviting. I can imagine Dawson carefully rendering the subtle gradations of tone on the wooden surfaces. The paint looks quite thin, which emphasizes the grain and texture of the wood, the quiet dignity of this utilitarian object. I bet he was really interested in the way light plays on simple forms, turning the ordinary into something worthy of contemplation. Painters are like: "Hey, look at this, isn't it something?". It makes me wonder, was he thinking about the history of painting still life, maybe Chardin, or Zurbaran? I bet he saw the beauty in the everyday, elevating this simple kitchen tool to a timeless subject. It’s a quiet and honest piece, don’t you think? It makes me want to get back to painting.