Landscape with a Church 1954

Editor: Here we have Charles Burchfield’s "Landscape with a Church," a drawing. The lines are so lively, almost vibrating. I'm curious, what stands out to you about Burchfield's approach in this piece? Curator: The method in which Burchfield renders this landscape and church reveals much about artistic labor and class distinctions. His use of drawing, often considered preparatory, as a final form challenges established hierarchies. Editor: How so? Curator: Think about it: the accessibility of drawing materials democratizes art-making. Burchfield’s choice elevates the everyday—the landscape, the church, the act of drawing itself—above the traditional, expensive mediums associated with "high art". It reconsiders the means of production. Editor: That’s a fascinating perspective, looking at the materials and the act of creation itself. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure. Reflecting on the means reveals so much!