Flour Bin c. 1939

Grace Bolser made this "Flour Bin" sometime in the 20th century, using graphite and colored pencil. At first glance, it's a rather ordinary kitchen object, yet this simple bin speaks volumes about domesticity and the rituals of daily life. The bin itself, designed to hold the staple of bread, evokes a sense of home and hearth. The rectangular shape and the presence of the two doors are suggestive of a human form, with the upper drawers reminiscent of eyes, peering out. One might recall similar shapes in reliquaries or shrines, where sacred objects are kept. The act of storing and preserving food has deep roots in human history, symbolizing not just survival but also care and nurturing. Think of ancient granaries, or the cornucopia, overflowing with abundance. This humble flour bin is a microcosm of those grander symbols, echoing our primal connection to food and sustenance. Just as ancient cultures revered their food sources, this flour bin represents a quiet, everyday reverence for the materials that sustain us.