Stool 1939

Harold Ballerd made this watercolor painting of a stool. Though the stool is a simple, utilitarian object, Ballerd elevates it, asking us to consider the cultural and historical implications of this piece of furniture. The stool is presented as a solitary object, set against a plain background, which invites contemplation. The dark wood of the seat contrasts with the teal of the base. There is an undeniable handmade quality, emphasizing craft and perhaps resistance to industrialization. In many cultures, a stool is more than just something to sit on. It’s a symbol of status, community, and tradition. Consider how something so simple carries histories of labor, domesticity, and the everyday lives of people. Harold Ballerd asks us to consider the cultural and historical implications of the art piece, and how it shapes our understanding of value, history, and identity. It’s about finding beauty and meaning in the mundane, and maybe, a reflection on our own place in the world.