Lace Collar 1935 - 1942

This graphite drawing of a 'Lace Collar' was made by Richard Whitaker, who lived from 1855 to 1995, so that’s quite a long life, encompassing a lot of changes! The softness of the medium matches the delicacy of the subject matter, a piece of lace. I love how Whitaker captures the intricacy of the lace through a process of careful observation. The texture is implied rather than rendered, giving the piece an ethereal quality. The graphite lines are so thin, they almost mimic the threads of the lace itself. Look closely at the oval centerpiece. The way it’s drawn, it almost seems to float on the paper. It’s a reminder that art doesn’t have to shout. Sometimes, the quietest gestures speak the loudest. Think of Vija Celmins and her almost photo-realist drawings that manage to be totally abstract at the same time. It’s all about the artist's hand and the conversations that emerge over time.