Candle Mold c. 1938

Ada Borre made this watercolor and graphite drawing of a Candle Mold. Borre was part of the Index of American Design, a WPA program. As such, Borre's artwork can be seen as part of the cultural and economic landscape of the New Deal era. This image prompts us to consider the relationship between craft, labor, and gender. Candle making, traditionally a domestic task, was often performed by women, providing light and warmth for their families. By depicting this utilitarian object, Borre draws attention to the everyday labor of women in the home, while at the same time framing it within a broader narrative of American industry and innovation. The precision and detail with which Borre renders the mold elevates the ordinary into something worthy of artistic attention. It prompts a reflection on the emotional and personal dimensions of domestic life.