Weather Vane c. 1938

Editor: This is "Weather Vane," a drawing from around 1938 by Beverly Chichester, using watercolor and colored pencil. I’m struck by how formal it makes a usually folksy object look. It's almost like a portrait of a weather vane, but why choose this as a subject? How do you interpret this work? Curator: That's an interesting observation about formality. Think about the context. The late 1930s in America was a period defined by the Great Depression, with government initiatives like the WPA employing artists. Chichester likely falls into this category. Consider that the Index of American Design, active during this time, aimed to document American crafts and folk art. The "Weather Vane," rendered with such detail, speaks to this national project of cultural preservation and valorization of everyday objects. Does that change how you view its 'folksiness?' Editor: That’s a completely different way to see it! I was just thinking about the vane itself, but understanding it as part of a larger project gives it a whole new significance. So, the drawing is almost a form of cataloging or celebrating American craftsmanship? Curator: Exactly! These weren't simply aesthetic choices, but contributions to a larger archive meant to define and promote a specific vision of American identity during a time of crisis. How does that influence your sense of its meaning and function within that social and political landscape? Editor: I suppose it transforms it from just a simple, slightly quirky drawing into a piece loaded with national and historical context. It's a weather vane, yes, but it's also a symbol being consciously elevated. Curator: And its placement in a museum setting further reinforces this elevated status. These images served a documentary purpose initially, but their journey through time and institutional spaces continues to shape their meaning. Editor: So it's a weather vane pointing not just to wind direction but also to the currents of history and cultural value? Thanks, I didn’t appreciate the deeper story behind this before. Curator: Indeed! The art isn't created and displayed in a vacuum; understanding its role within broader historical forces can significantly alter our perception.