Safe Bank c. 1940

William O. Fletcher made this watercolour and graphite drawing of a ‘Safe Bank’ at an unknown date. The limited palette focuses our attention on the shapes, which are carefully delineated with graphite before washes of colour are applied. The artist’s hand is evident in the texture of the paper, visible beneath thin layers of translucent paint. Look at the bottom right corner, where you can see the artist’s signature, carefully rendered. Then zoom in on the lock and the writing around it. The level of detail is incredible. Fletcher shows us the object from several angles, as though trying to understand its purpose, its function. This reminds me of the work of Joseph Yoakum, another artist who was interested in representing the world in his own unique way. Ultimately, the drawing feels less like a fixed statement and more like a question. What does ‘Safe Bank’ mean to you?