Painted Wooden Candle Stick, with Grooves andCircles c. 1937

Majel G. Claflin made this painted wooden candlestick, with grooves and circles. The image shows a unique candlestick, likely hand-carved from wood. Look at the surface texture and the way the artist has captured the material's inherent qualities. The paint application enhances the wood grain, and the grooves and circular details add visual interest, suggesting traditional carving techniques. The candlestick's form is both functional and sculptural, blurring the lines between craft and fine art. Consider the time and skill involved in carving and painting this object. Was this a studio craft object, or made for personal use? By valuing the labor and the creative process, we can expand our understanding of artistic expression beyond traditional categories. Appreciating the artistry inherent in handmade objects challenges conventional hierarchies in the art world.