Figurehead from Schooner "Haroldine" 1935 - 1942

This delicate watercolour shows the figurehead from the Schooner "Haroldine", made by an anonymous artist, who captures the sculptural relief in gentle strokes. I can imagine the artist really looking and trying to understand what’s in front of them. How else can you get to the point where you can make an image of something? This artist paid attention to the quality of the light as it falls across the form, and its effect on the appearance of the wood. The marks are delicate, like memories. The tones create form and texture in a way that speaks to its history. The act of painting and drawing is an act of translation. The artist's careful eye, combined with their skillful hand, translates the material world into a new visual language. The artist teaches us how to see. This is part of an ongoing conversation between artists across time. I feel inspired.