Sugar Bowl c. 1938

Richard Barnett made this ‘Sugar Bowl’ sometime in the 20th century with watercolour and graphite. What strikes me is the balance between precision and gentle imperfection, like the careful but slightly wavering lines, which suggests art-making as a thoughtful, yet forgiving, process. I’m drawn to the way the light blue of the bowl contrasts with the creamier whites of the decorative elements, like the drippy garlands around the rim. You can almost feel the texture of the original ceramic piece, recreated here with delicate strokes. There’s a certain sweetness to the piece, not just in the subject matter, but in the gentle gradations of colour. Look at the lid, how the blue and white swirl together, suggesting a depth and volume which invites you to look closer. It reminds me a little of some of the still life works of Giorgio Morandi, with that same quiet attention to everyday objects, elevating them through careful observation. It’s a reminder that art is often about seeing the extraordinary in the ordinary, making art a conversation that extends across time.