Table (Occassional) c. 1936

This blueprint for a table, made by Francis Law Durand, is all about line, instruction and utility. It’s like looking at a recipe but for furniture; Durand’s showing us not just what to make, but how to make it. The crisp lines articulate every angle and joint. Look at the top-most section of the leg. The instructions are so precise, even telling us which surfaces the letters denote. It’s not just a drawing, it’s a guide, a set of instructions. The eye travels along these lines, following Durand’s intentions, his vision of a table brought to life. It reminds me of Sol LeWitt’s wall drawings, where the idea is the art, and the execution can be delegated. Here, Durand gives us the idea, the plan, and invites us to build it. It’s a generous act, offering not just a table, but the means to create it. Art isn't always about the final product; sometimes, it's about the process, the invitation to participate.