-Newark c. 20th century

This diminutive wooden windmill was made by an anonymous maker, and it stands as a testament to the process of creation, where each mark tells a story. Look closely at the surface, and you can trace the path of the craftsperson’s tools. The wood isn’t sanded smooth but retains a tactile, almost rugged feel, emphasizing its material origins. The blades, held in place by a simple screw, speak of functionality intertwined with charm. I love how the maker wasn’t trying to hide the hand-made quality. Notice the little imperfections in the wood and the slight asymmetry of the blades – these aren’t flaws but rather the fingerprints of the maker, giving the piece its unique character and warmth. To me, it has echoes of Haim Steinbach, with a similar celebration of found objects and their innate qualities. It reminds us that art embraces the unfinished, the imperfect, and the beautifully ambiguous.