Andiron c. 1936

Mildred Ford made this drawing of an andiron, but we don’t know when, or even where. It’s a simple rendering, almost like a technical drawing, but I see so much more. Look at the tonal gradations Ford achieves with just a pencil. The varying pressure of the graphite creates a sense of depth and volume, turning a utilitarian object into something sculptural. It’s like she’s caressing the form, understanding its weight and purpose through the act of drawing. And the way she’s captured the texture of the metal, the subtle imperfections and irregularities, makes it feel so real. That top left cube almost hovers there, like a little geometric abstraction. It’s a reminder that art isn’t just about representation, it’s about seeing and feeling the world in new ways. It reminds me of the drawings of Joseph Beuys, where the simplest marks can unlock a whole world of meaning. Ultimately, it's this sense of quiet observation that I find so compelling. This piece invites us to slow down, to really look, and to find beauty in the everyday.