Cabinet, with Ivory Keyholes c. 1937

This drawing of a cabinet with ivory keyholes was made by William Kieckhofel. It’s a study in browns and tans, layering marks to build up the form. You can see the wood grain coming through, not trying to hide the material. Looking closely at the drawers, you can almost feel the cool smoothness of the ivory keyholes against the grain of the wood. The light catches them, making them glow like little secrets. The artist uses delicate lines to create the texture and depth of the cabinet, making the form feel three-dimensional. The doors are ajar, inviting you to look inside! This piece reminds me of the work of Agnes Martin, in its quiet intensity and attention to detail. It’s a reminder that art is as much about process as it is about the final product. It's a conversation across time.