Stoneware Jar c. 1937

Richard Barnett’s Stoneware Jar is like a quiet conversation in watercolor. The blues against the grayish-brown of the jar are, in a way, the whole story. There’s something immediate about the way the paint is applied, as if the artist is feeling out the shape as he goes. Look at the way the blue decoration loops around the body of the jar. The texture feels almost like fabric, which really softens the industrial quality of the stoneware. Each brushstroke is a tiny decision, accumulating into a delicate whole. The slight imperfections and asymmetry give it so much character. You can almost see the hand of the artist moving around the form, trying to capture the volume and texture in watercolor. I'm reminded of Giorgio Morandi, who also dedicated his life to the contemplation of simple vessels. Both artists invite us to slow down, to really see the beauty in the everyday. It’s a reminder that art isn’t just about grand gestures but about seeing the world with open eyes and a sensitive hand.