Candle Holder c. 1937

This is Harry G. Aberdeen’s “Candle Holder,” rendered in muted tones on paper. It's more than just a drawing; it's like an engineer's delicate daydream, a precise vision with almost scientific intentions. I imagine Aberdeen, maybe with a wry smile, meticulously capturing every curve and angle. I see him pondering the function of each part, translating metal into subtle watercolor washes. It's fascinating how he makes the utilitarian feel almost precious, turning a simple object into something worthy of deep contemplation. I find it interesting that he is an artist, and I wonder if he looked at artists like Duchamp. The lines, spare and confident, remind us that there is a history of artists looking at everyday objects that may have been overlooked before. It’s like Aberdeen is having a quiet conversation with the folks who made it.