Stone Olla c. 1940

Curator: This drawing is titled "Stone Olla," created around 1940 by Rose Campbell-Gerke. It appears to be rendered primarily in pencil. What's your first impression? Editor: Well, immediately I'm struck by its earthiness, its solidity. The shading gives it this incredible weight, almost like I could reach out and feel the cool, rough texture of the stone. There's a quiet strength in its simplicity, isn't there? Curator: Absolutely. Considering ollas are traditionally used for storing water, often in arid regions, there's something really powerful about representing this vessel. Think about the labor, often gendered, involved in gathering and storing water. Rose Campbell-Gerke captures more than just the object. Editor: Exactly! And beyond its practical purpose, this olla hints at ritual and tradition. I wonder, how much of the artist’s life experiences inform how this drawing was made? Do you get a sense of its specific cultural context? Curator: It's difficult to say definitively without more background on the artist herself. However, ollas are particularly important to Indigenous cultures in the Southwest. The care given to create this kind of pot goes way back, a real lifeline for survival. In this work it is less utilitarian. The pencil work is detailed, capturing this muted sense of light and shadow… almost like the surface of the moon, in a way? Editor: I love that, its lunar quality! There is such an appreciation here of this vessel. Thinking about this artist drawing this in the 40's, at this medium scale...you almost expect it to be larger, given the subject. Curator: Precisely. Perhaps, it reflects a deep personal connection. Perhaps it reminds the artist of community, sustainability, and survival. There is this beauty in everyday objects when we decide to represent them like this. Editor: True. So many layers here... this quiet "Stone Olla" speaks volumes if you lend it your ear... or eye. Curator: A compelling tribute indeed! I will now see ollas in an even richer way!