Fireplace Waffle Iron c. 1939

This drawing is by Manuel G. Runyan and it depicts a fireplace waffle iron. The color is so interesting – mostly earth tones, browns and tans, and reminds me that artmaking is just another form of labor, like making waffles over a fire. The flat, matte surface really emphasizes the objectness of the waffle iron, its weight and texture. It’s like Runyan is saying, "Here is this thing, in all its mundane glory." I love how the long handles shoot off at jaunty angles, breaking up the composition. The shape of the waffle iron itself, with its grid pattern, is so visually satisfying. Looking at Runyan’s drawing makes me think of the painter Giorgio Morandi, who also turned everyday objects into subjects for contemplation. Ultimately, Runyan's waffle iron invites us to slow down and appreciate the simple things, reminding us that beauty can be found in the most unexpected places.