Vase c. 1936

John Tarantino made this watercolor vase painting, though the exact date is unknown. The soft washes give the illusion of a three-dimensional object, with the translucent material qualities of glass. The vase is rendered with impressive skill, the reflections and refractions of light captured with sensitivity. But what’s most interesting to me is that this isn’t actually a glass vase – it’s a *painting* of one. Tarantino clearly knew the processes of glassmaking, and he used that understanding to guide his artistic vision. His dedication to depicting the vessel with such care speaks to a deep respect for the material itself. It challenges us to think about the value we place on different forms of making. Is a painting of a vase inherently more artistic than the vase itself? By blurring these lines, Tarantino invites us to reconsider our preconceived notions about craft, art, and their relative status.