Maple Vase c. 1938

Peter Connin made this Maple Vase, but the date of its making is unknown. Notice how the artist meticulously captured the subtle grain and texture of the maple wood, giving the vase a tactile, almost three-dimensional quality. This wasn’t casually done. The vase form suggests a hand-turned process, where the wood is carefully shaped on a lathe. In doing so, Connin engages with a centuries-old craft tradition, typically associated with functional objects rather than fine art. The skill and labor-intensive processes involved in woodworking stand in contrast to the often-abstract nature of painting. By highlighting the materiality of the wood and the techniques used to shape it, Connin blurs the line between craft and art. Ultimately, this vase reminds us of the importance of considering both the material and the making when we look at art, challenging conventional categories and hierarchies within the art world.