Hammer c. 1937

Gordena Jackson made this drawing of a hammer at some point during her long life. I love the simplicity and precision here. The hammer, rendered with such care, becomes more than just a tool. I can almost feel the artist’s hand moving across the paper, carefully building up the tones and textures of the wood and metal. What was she thinking as she drew each line? Was she lost in the meditation of observation, appreciating the object’s functional elegance? There is such a tenderness to the drawing, which reminds me that all paintings, including this one, are acts of profound attention and care. The artist makes us see the beauty in the everyday, elevating the mundane to something worthy of contemplation. It's like Jackson is winking at us, reminding us that beauty can be found in the most unexpected places. And, isn’t that what art is all about?