Toleware Tin Cannister 1937

This Toleware Tin Cannister was painted by Donald Humphrey, we don't know exactly when, but these kinds of objects are all about practicality. You use them, you embellish them, you make them your own. Look at how the paint is applied, in layers, almost like a build-up of memory. The colours are muted, earthy, but with these bright pops of red and green that feel almost rebellious, like a little secret. The brushstrokes are visible, direct, and confident. You can almost see the artist's hand moving across the surface, each stroke deliberate, adding to the object's story. What I love about this piece is its casual attitude. It's like the artist is saying, "Yeah, it's just a tin canister, but why can't it be beautiful?" It reminds me a bit of Elizabeth Murray, who also took everyday objects and transformed them into something totally unexpected and deeply personal. It shows that art isn't just about fancy materials or complicated ideas, it's about seeing the potential for beauty in the ordinary.