Silver Beaker c. 1936

Michael Fenga made this drawing of a silver beaker and its measurements, but I can only imagine how long it took him. What fascinates me here is the precision of his marks, and how they construct such a believable object. If you look closely, you will notice that the symmetry isn’t perfect, which gives it a human feel. I can imagine him, carefully observing the light as it hits the metallic surface, trying to replicate the glimmers and shadows with thin graphite. Doesn't it make you want to reach out and touch the cold metal? Think of the labor he put in to carefully and lovingly translate a three dimensional object into two dimensions. It’s a quiet and thoughtful process. Artists today build on the work of artists in the past, just like Fenga, observing and responding, continuing the conversation across time. Each mark is a decision, each drawing a way of thinking.