Lamp 1935 - 1942

This small drawing by Sara Garfinkel, simply titled Lamp, is made with what looks like graphite or pencil on paper. I imagine her sitting, looking, and drawing, making a clear tonal record of this object. What’s interesting to me, is the way she’s built up the shading to define the form, creating an object that is very present. I wonder if it was a special object to her. I am always drawn to images of the everyday, and I enjoy the slightly quirky rendering of the handle. Look how Garfinkel uses shadow to give it volume. It feels almost classical, in its simple observation. There is a wonderful unassuming clarity in this piece. Artists, you know, we are always looking and learning from each other, across time and space. It makes you think about what seemingly modest sketches or drawings can reveal. There's a real sense of stillness and attention here, which is something I always strive for in my own work.