Sandwich Glass 1936

Curator: This is Marie Famularo's "Sandwich Glass," a pencil drawing on paper from 1936. The delicate lines and symmetrical composition give it a certain formality. What strikes you most about this drawing? Editor: The repetition of patterns! I'm curious, what do you see in the geometric and decorative elements that Famularo included? Curator: I see a deliberate act of preservation. The "Sandwich" refers to the Sandwich Glass Works in Massachusetts, a major producer of pressed glass in the 19th century. By 1936, they were long gone, victims of industrial consolidation and changing tastes. This drawing becomes an act of memory, clinging to a craft tradition threatened by modernization. Consider also that Famularo was a woman artist at a time when industrial design was male dominated. Was she reclaiming a space for female artistry? Editor: So, it's not just a pretty drawing; it's making a statement about cultural and economic shifts? The reference to the past feels particularly strong now, given current discussions of labor and artistic value. Curator: Exactly! Think about who designs, who produces, and who consumes. Mass production often obscures these relationships. Famularo’s drawing brings attention to the human hand, to a specific place and time, and, perhaps, subtly critiques the prevailing narrative of progress. Does that resonate with you? Editor: Absolutely. Thinking about craft as a form of resistance or a way of highlighting inequalities gives me a lot to think about in other areas. Curator: It highlights how art can serve as both documentation and quiet activism. Editor: Thanks, that helps me see much more depth in what initially appeared to be just a pretty picture.