Barber Pole

Elisabeth Fulda’s ‘Barber Pole’ is a watercolour, and there’s a real sense of process in the way she’s worked with the paint. The colours are muted, almost like they’ve been washed out over time. Look at how Fulda renders the light on the barber pole. The paint is thin, translucent, giving a subtle shimmer. You can almost feel the smoothness of the wood, sense the texture of the aged paint. But it’s the attention to detail that really grabs me – the tiny eagle perched on top, the intricate carvings at the base, each lovingly rendered with delicate strokes. It's like Fulda wants us to really see it, to appreciate its history and craftsmanship. Fulda’s work reminds me of the early American folk artists, like Joseph Pickett, in its directness. But what Fulda brings to the table is a real tenderness.