Shaker Clock c. 1937

This is a watercolor and graphite depiction of a Shaker Clock made by Anne Ger, a Shaker sister who lived from 1855 to 1955. The Shakers, formally known as the United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing, were a religious sect committed to pacifism, communal living, gender equality, and celibacy. The Shaker aesthetic is characterized by simplicity, utility, and honesty. Shaker design and craft was a form of religious devotion that aimed to reflect their spiritual values. The Shakers believed that well-made, functional objects could be a form of prayer and a testament to their commitment to a life of purpose and intention. Anne Ger's Shaker Clock embodies these ideals through its clean lines and functional form. It is a reminder of the Shaker commitment to living a life of intention, where every object, even a simple clock, could be imbued with spiritual meaning. It is both practical and beautiful.