Pa. German Butter Mold c. 1940

Charlotte Angus made this watercolour of a Pa. German Butter Mold, sometime in the mid twentieth century; I’m curious to know if she had any butter to hand. The earthy hues and delicate washes, capture the simple beauty of this carved wooden object. See how Angus uses subtle variations in tone to bring out the texture of the wood, and the depth of the carved design. It’s a quiet, observational piece, almost meditative. I’m drawn to the star at the center, its petals softly rounded and inviting. You can almost feel the cool, smooth surface of the butter, pressed into the mold. It's like she’s saying, “Hey, even the everyday things can be beautiful if you really look at them.” It reminds me a little of the work of Charles Sheeler, but with a softer, more personal touch. A reminder that art is everywhere, even in the kitchen.