Skimmer c. 1937

Curator: I am immediately struck by its elegance—the way a simple kitchen utensil is rendered with such care. It has a quiet dignity, almost meditative in its stillness. Editor: We are looking at "Skimmer," a drawing completed circa 1937 by Herbert Marsh. The piece uses graphite and possibly some watercolor, and, tellingly, meticulously renders an everyday kitchen tool. The image reminds me of a mechanical drawing, of some obsolete patent that we see lingering like the past itself. Curator: Yes, exactly! There's an antique quality. One almost feels as if you're gazing not just at an object but into someone's history, perhaps a long-lost relative’s toolkit! There is a curious charm that elevates it beyond just being a household implement. Editor: Absolutely. Marsh isn't just depicting a skimmer; he's documenting a piece of domestic technology and culture. He might be revealing a certain socioeconomic element as well because skimmers weren't as ubiquitous in every kitchen as say, a pot. Curator: That’s interesting. You perceive it as a symbol. Whereas to me, those small, precisely placed perforations almost read as star constellations. It's not utilitarian in my imagination. It sparks something whimsical. Editor: Maybe that intersection – utility presented with artistry– reflects the era's attempt to reconcile industry with a touch of grace amid harsh times? The subtle coloration speaks of frugality and practicality as well. Curator: I love how an item can evoke such layered discussions and perspectives. Seeing an everyday tool as an art piece does shift your perception; it allows one to find beauty and contemplation where we never imagined. Editor: Indeed. Marsh’s quiet act of documentation transforms what might have been discarded into something valuable and worthy of preservation. A small sketch rescues this object from time itself, and asks what histories everyday life really is, at its core.