Candlestick c. 1938

Editor: So, here we have Charles Garjian's "Candlestick," dating back to around 1938, a drawing rendered with pencil and charcoal. I am fascinated by the way Garjian detailed the coiling structure of the candlestick's stem; the way that metal almost seems to twist upward is striking. What particularly jumps out at you about this piece? Curator: The candlestick immediately suggests to me questions about function versus pure artistry. This is not simply an object of utility; it is the *representation* of such an object. Given the time, circa 1938, one must consider the labor and resources that would go into producing the physical object, versus the comparatively "cheap" medium of drawing. Do you see how the material—pencil and charcoal—transforms an everyday item into a reflection on industry and consumerism? Editor: I see your point. It's a depiction of something readily available transformed into something requiring artistry. Do you think the medium chosen reflects Garjian's perspective on labor during this era? Curator: Exactly. Consider the societal implications of readily available goods contrasted with the individual effort to reproduce the image of one. Is the artist celebrating or critiquing the industrial production that makes candlesticks, such as this, commonplace? What statement might Garjian be making about craftsmanship in a machine-driven world by choosing to represent a manufactured item through traditional drawing techniques? Editor: This completely changes how I view the piece. I was only considering the candlestick's visual appeal, but it represents a clash between industry and individual creation. Curator: Precisely. The very act of meticulously rendering a commonplace object invites contemplation on the processes behind its creation, and, indeed, its consumption. Art allows one to view how industrial forms entered lives during times of change. Editor: I appreciate the way you highlighted the historical and economic context! Thanks! Curator: It has been a pleasure to share different ideas and look at something in a new light!