Harvester Jug c. 1937

Here we have Yolande Delasser’s Harvester Jug, a watercolour on paper. The palette is muted – earthen shades of pale browns and blues – and you can see the artist’s hand at play in the subtle variations of tone, which is something I find deeply appealing. Look closely at the jug's rounded form, which almost feels like a body. Delasser captures the texture of the ceramic so well, particularly the smudges and unevenness that come with the materiality of clay. Then there's that striking blue floral motif that seems to sprout organically. The way the blue bleeds slightly into the surrounding area reminds me of the unpredictable nature of watercolour. The little strokes and dabs feel so immediate and intimate, as if Delasser is inviting us to witness the jug coming to life, mark by mark. This reminds me a little of Marsden Hartley, who like Delasser, seemed to find such joy in painting everyday objects, giving them a kind of totemic power. Ultimately, it celebrates the beauty that can be found in the everyday, asking us to pause and appreciate the simple things in life.