Toleware Slop Pail 1935 - 1942

John H. Tercuzzi made this 'Toleware Slop Pail' with paint on paper. The even, smooth application of paint gives a flatness to the whole object. This makes me think about the everyday made precious through the simple act of painting. The pail sits in the middle of the frame, and Tercuzzi’s attention to detail, like the gradation of color, highlights the gentle curves of the pail. The artist paints the flowers and the designs on the pail with care, each bloom a dab of color. It's this softness that really draws me in. There's a gentle, forgiving quality to the paint. This work feels related to the art of someone like Fairfield Porter, who also found great subject matter in domestic life. Ultimately, it’s a reminder that art isn’t just about grand gestures, but about seeing and savoring the beauty in the mundane.