Side Chair 1936

This drawing of a chair was made on April 27th, 1936, by Robert Brigadier. It's all careful lines and measurements, a real exercise in precision. It’s almost as if Brigadier isn't just drawing a chair, but dissecting it, showing us every angle and dimension. Look closely at the front legs, how the carving becomes more ornate closer to the seat. This meticulousness speaks to the kind of attention and care that goes into making, it's a world away from throwing paint at a canvas. There’s something about the calmness of the drawing that makes me think of Agnes Martin, the same quiet determination to make something absolutely perfect. I guess what I'm saying is that there's more than one way to make art, and even the humblest sketch can be a window into a different way of seeing. It makes you wonder about all the thought that goes into making even the most ordinary things, when they are carefully planned.