Sugar Jar c. 1938

Robert Gilson made this drawing of a sugar jar with graphite on paper. The grey hues and delicate shading give the object a quiet presence, like a memory fading at the edges. Look closely at the surface; the subtle gradations of tone create a sense of volume and weight. You can almost feel the smooth, cool ceramic beneath your fingertips. See the way Gilson captured the light reflecting off the jar's surface, giving it a subtle sheen? And the etched details – a bird, some foliage, a name – they add a personal touch, hinting at the jar's history and use. The whole thing feels very material and real. This work reminds me of drawings by Giorgio Morandi, who also found endless inspiration in humble, everyday objects. Like Morandi, Gilson coaxes a quiet beauty out of the mundane, inviting us to slow down and appreciate the simple things in life. What is it about these simple objects that has such a hold on us?