Silver Pitcher c. 1936

Frank Fumagalli created this 'Silver Pitcher' using graphite on paper, and it really gets me thinking about the push and pull between observation and creation. The way Fumagalli uses the graphite is so interesting; it’s not just about rendering what he sees. Look closely, and you'll see how the marks build up the form, creating a shimmering effect that almost feels like the pitcher is glowing from within. The texture is everything here - the way he teases out the subtle gradations, suggesting the cool, smooth surface of the metal. The repeated hatching marks create an almost meditative effect, which feels quite different from the bold, gestural work of someone like Jasper Johns, but the commitment to process gives the piece a similar, quiet power. It reminds me that art is an ongoing exploration, a conversation across time and materials where ambiguity and multiple interpretations are not just welcomed, but embraced.