Vase c. 1936

Janet Riza made this little watercolor of a vase, with no date, though I get the impression it's quite old. I’m drawn to the way the warm, amber hues have been layered to give the vase this translucent quality. It reminds me of glassblowing and the alchemical processes that turn ordinary materials into something precious. You can see the brushstrokes, but they're so delicate, almost like the artist was breathing the color onto the page. There's something about the simplicity of the subject matter, too – a humble vase, rendered with so much care and attention. It makes me think about Morandi, who spent his whole life painting bottles, finding endless variation in these simple forms. Art doesn't always have to be grand or spectacular; sometimes the most profound experiences come from the quiet observation of everyday things.