Pa. German Jar c. 1937

Curator: Hmm, it feels... homespun. Kind of charmingly awkward, in a way that I weirdly connect with. What do you make of it? Editor: We're looking at William L. Antrim's "Pa. German Jar" from around 1937, rendered in watercolor and colored pencil. At first glance, it's an attempt to capture the feel of Pennsylvania German folk art. What catches my eye is this very direct and unfussy approach in the art, revealing so much with the simple details in a naive hand. Curator: Naive is a kind word. Almost painfully earnest, I’d say. I’m particularly drawn to how that running deer with, well, peculiar proportions and stance, takes center stage, as if ready to jump out of the picture. There’s that very human, very awkward yearning for connection within this scene. Does it strike you the same? Editor: The deer as a symbol often represents guidance, watchfulness, and a connection to nature, key elements of Pennsylvania German folk traditions. This combined with those other stylized flowers and patterns might evoke a longing for a harmonious relationship with nature and the past, or perhaps simply act as talismans. What do you suppose is with the unusual border decoration? Curator: A wobbly fence keeping all those symbols from escaping. Honestly, to me it represents life in miniature – all slightly misshapen beauty with a whole bunch of limitations we’re busy negotiating! But how about you, what is your reading of it, with all of your knowledge about imagery and art history? Editor: It reminds us that symbols in art often are not about direct representation but rather triggering feelings. Ultimately, it may not matter what Antrim directly meant – what matters more is how this representation touches and maybe gently alters the viewer. Curator: I concur!