Wicker Demijohn c. 1940

Clarence W. Dawson made this painting of a wicker demijohn, probably using watercolour on paper. What strikes me is the level of care taken to render a very ordinary, functional object, like it was some precious artefact. There's a real patience evident in the way each strand of wicker has been depicted. I can see that the artist has built up the form slowly, working from light to dark and layering colours to give a sense of depth and texture. Look closely at the handle, it's so tactile! You can almost feel the roughness of the rope. The tone is kept quite muted, creating a quiet harmony. The glass stopper at the top adds just a touch of colour. You can see some of the same qualities in the work of Giorgio Morandi, who also elevated everyday objects to something monumental and poetic. For me, this piece reminds us that anything can be art, and that art is everywhere, if you only take the time to look.