Chest c. 1936

Elizabeth Curtis made this Chest with what looks like watercolor and pencil. The color palette is limited, and I can almost smell the woody aroma just looking at it. I love how Curtis has approached artmaking as a process of looking and learning. The texture is smooth, with the grain of the wood carefully rendered. The color is mostly brown, with subtle variations that suggest the play of light across the surface. Look at the mark making in the dark circles on the front of the chest. It’s almost like she has not drawn a solid circle, rather suggested one with different marks and textures. The physical medium looks like pencil crayon, and has almost a tactile quality. Overall, this piece reminds me of the work of Agnes Martin who also works with soft colors and gentle forms. Art, like this chest, is about embracing multiple interpretations, and I love that!