Pie Plate c. 1939

Carl Buergerniss made this watercolor of a Pie Plate sometime in the first half of the 20th Century, and just look at that delicious palette of earthy reds and browns. It's kind of mouthwatering, right? There's something deeply satisfying about the way Buergerniss renders the texture of this humble object. You can almost feel the rough, uneven surface of the plate, and that glaze inside is so tactile. See how the colors bleed and blend together, creating a sense of depth and movement? It's as if Buergerniss is not just depicting a pie plate but capturing its very essence, its history, and the countless pies it once held. I love the way the bottom is also represented. Buergerniss’ work reminds me a little of Giorgio Morandi, who spent his career painting bottles. Both artists find profound beauty and meaning in the everyday, transforming the ordinary into something extraordinary. It's a reminder that art isn't just about grand gestures or lofty ideas, it's about seeing the world with fresh eyes and finding poetry in the simplest of things.