Jar c. 1940

This watercolor, made by Aaron Fastovsky, portrays a utilitarian object, elevating the handmade into the realm of fine art. Fastovsky's choice of watercolor to depict this jar is fascinating. It uses a fine art technique to portray a very functional, everyday object. Notice how the jar's form and texture are rendered with careful detail. The artist captures the jar's earthy tones and the subtle imperfections that speak to its handmade nature. The drips of glaze animate the surface, suggesting the alchemical transformation that occurs in the kiln, where the plasticity of clay becomes the permanence of ceramic. This image prompts us to consider the social context of craft and labor. Was it produced in a factory setting, or by an individual artisan? What kind of skills were required to make it? What were the conditions of labor at the time? By focusing on materials, making, and context, we can understand the full meaning of this artwork, and challenge traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.