Mold c. 1940

Editor: This is Roberta Spicer’s drawing called “Mold,” made around 1940. It's a lovely little watercolour illustration that reminds me of a fruit-themed design element, but I am struggling to pinpoint how to contextualise this piece. What connections do you make when you look at it? Curator: Well, the image itself is quite evocative. The rendering reminds me of ancient Greek or Roman cameos. An object fossilized through artistic representation, in an almost scientific way. Editor: Fossilized how? I wouldn't have used that word. Curator: It has to do with the process. It resembles the process of preserving and immortalizing elements or organisms from life. Do you see it now? And it reminds me of a symbolic continuity—agricultural bounty representing abundance, safety and posterity. Even an image can transmit such ideas, a symbol which has persisted through various civilizations, isn't it? Editor: That’s an interesting point, I never considered the link between that almost visceral sensation from antiquity, that also looks scientific in execution, which speaks to humanity's attempts to eternalize both memories and symbols... Fascinating. So, its meaning depends a lot on a continuous cultural memory. Curator: Exactly! And, in times of turmoil like 1940, such imagery could evoke hope or be used for political undertones. Considering that, and the fruit imagery, what readings can you find? Editor: I'd imagine that people would see the beauty in the piece, as well as something akin to perseverance, through continuous natural abundance, or the need to persevere. Thanks for clarifying, seeing the historical moment in conjunction with symbols shifts my perception. Curator: You're welcome! It’s incredible how visual elements can tap into shared human experiences.