Silk Apron c. 1938

Rex F. Bush made this drawing of a ‘Silk Apron’ with what looks like graphite and colored pencil, and it really makes me think about the process of observation and representation. I can almost feel Bush carefully rendering the fabric’s texture and the delicate embroidery. What was he thinking as he translated the apron onto paper? It’s like he’s trying to capture the very essence of this object, its history, its purpose, and maybe even the person who wore it. And, it’s interesting to note how the dark shade of the apron contrasts with the fine pink embroidery. These tiny gestures are so delicate and precise; they give the piece its personality. It reminds me of other artists who find beauty in the everyday, elevating ordinary objects to something worthy of contemplation. It makes you wonder what other hidden stories are waiting to be discovered in the things we overlook.