Candle Maker 1935 - 1942

William Hoffman made this watercolor of a candle maker, it looks like, at some point in the 20th century. I wonder, looking at this, what it was like for him. What did he feel as he made it? I can see him mixing the shades of brown, trying to get it just right, you know? There's a particular shade for the wood, another for the metal; you have to try, and try again. Painting something that already exists can be hard. The lines are carefully drawn, not too thick. There’s such a delicacy to the touch. When you look at the handle of the maker, you can see Hoffman’s own hand. It’s a document of Hoffman’s careful labor, and a testament to the labor of the candle maker himself. It reminds me of the work of other painters who are interested in manual work, like Millet, or Van Gogh. We are all always looking at each other, and it gives you strength.