Pin Tray 1938

John Cooke’s watercolor, made in 1936, captures the charm of a little pin tray, the surface worked with delicate floral motifs. I love the warm, earthy palette, how the shapes are outlined in what looks like string or thread. Imagine Cooke hunched over his paper, carefully rendering each stitch. What thoughts were going through his mind as he painstakingly built up these simple forms? What was the function of the pin tray? Was it to give order to a domestic space? A token of love or friendship? Look at the details – the tiny flowers and leaves, each meticulously rendered with subtle variations in color and texture. I want to pick up the pin tray. I want to feel the texture of the embroidery beneath my fingertips. Cooke’s work reminds me of those wonderful folk artists who pour their heart and soul into the everyday, imbuing the mundane with a touch of magic. It’s a reminder that art isn’t just about grand gestures, but also about the quiet, intimate moments that make up a life.