Stoneware Jug 1935 - 1942

Daniel Fletcher painted this stoneware jug with watercolor on paper at an unknown date. What strikes me first is the artist's process, visible in every delicate wash and subtle blending of hues. The material quality of the jug is almost palpable. Look at the way Fletcher suggests the rough texture of the stoneware, the slight imperfections and wear that tell a story of use and time. The blues are muted, almost faded, giving a sense of age and history. Notice, on the belly of the jug, the way the light catches, suggesting the curve and volume of the form. The handle, too, is beautifully rendered, with a sense of weight and solidity. It reminds me a bit of Giorgio Morandi's still lifes, where everyday objects are elevated to the realm of contemplation through careful observation and delicate handling of paint. Like Morandi, Fletcher finds beauty in the ordinary, inviting us to slow down and appreciate the simple elegance of a humble jug. And, as with all great art, it leaves us with more questions than answers, inviting us to bring our own experiences and interpretations to the work.