Chest of Drawers c. 1938

This drawing of a chest of drawers was made by Charles Henning at an unknown date. The details, look at those tiny rows of dashes forming borders, they are so methodical, right? It makes you wonder what Henning was thinking, repeating these small marks, like counting the drawers, or maybe a steadying breath. Now, think about the surface. The green and red are opaque, thick enough to hide the paper underneath, but they don't have a lot of texture. The overall effect is flat, but those red tulips give it pop. I'm drawn to the cross shape on the side panel; it's simple but not quite centered, like a happy accident. It's slightly off, adding a nice bit of character to the overall design. Henning's approach makes me think of other self-taught artists like Bill Traylor, who find their own way of seeing and making. Art isn't always about perfection; it's about the conversation, the questions, and the way we see the world around us.