Silver Punch Bowl c. 1936

Lawrence Flynn made this drawing of a silver punch bowl, at an unknown date, on what looks like tracing paper. The simplicity of line here is what gets me, just a thin black outline describing the form. It’s like Flynn is saying, “here’s the essence of bowl-ness”. The bowl sits there, a perfect semi-circle, balanced on a neat little pedestal. The symmetry is so satisfying. It's a drawing that's about precision, each line carefully placed to define the shape of the bowl. There’s something almost meditative about it, like a Zen circle. I’m reminded of Agnes Martin’s grids, in a way, that same quietness and restraint. Both artists use simple forms to create something that feels almost spiritual. Ultimately, it’s not just a drawing of a bowl, it’s an invitation to slow down and appreciate the beauty of simple forms.