Bellows 1935 - 1942

This watercolor and graphite drawing depicts a bellows, an instrument traditionally used to intensify fire, made by an anonymous artist at an unknown date. The drawing offers us insight into the domestic life and craftsmanship of its time. We might consider the labor and artistry involved in creating such a tool, now rendered obsolete by modern technology. Who was the artist? Was it a craftsperson or someone who simply appreciated the beauty and design of everyday objects? Consider the bellows as a symbol of warmth and hearth, traditionally associated with the feminine sphere. This image allows us to reflect on the intersection of gender roles and the artistry embedded in everyday objects. What stories could this anonymous artist tell us about their life, their community, and their relationship to labor?