Flatiron Stand c. 1940

Rose Campbell-Gerke made this drawing of a flatiron stand; its precise date of creation remains unknown. The drawing, seemingly rendered with graphite, displays an eye-shaped metalwork with floral, decorative openings and the words RICHMOND CAL across the middle. I can imagine Rose meticulously observing the object. I can imagine her hand moving slowly and deliberately, tracing the contours and capturing the intricate details of the metalwork. There are several brown and grey tones here that give an impression of depth and age. The slightly off-white background creates a subtle contrast, emphasizing the texture and form of the stand. Her work reminds me a little of those artists who blur the line between representation and design. In some ways, it’s like she's not just depicting an object but examining its cultural and historical significance. I can feel the spirit of curiosity and observation that drives artistic inquiry. The way the artist translated a three-dimensional object into a two-dimensional image invites viewers to see and think about everyday things in a new light.