Whirligig c. 1937

Bernard Westmacott made this drawing of a whirligig, sometime between 1855 and 1995, with graphite on paper. What strikes me is how the drawing almost vibrates on the page. The entire figure is rendered with these delicate graphite lines, closely packed together, giving a sculptural presence to a toy. I love how the artist captured a sense of volume with a simple medium. Notice how the lines follow the curves of the figure, adding depth. The careful attention to detail, especially in the face and clothing, reveals a fascination with the object. This piece reminds me of drawings by Alfred Jenson, who also explored figuration with a unique and quirky vision. Like much art, this drawing embraces ambiguity, inviting us to find our own meaning.