Pa. German Pie Dish c. 1936

This Pa. German Pie Dish was made by Max Soltmann, and I’m guessing it was made with some kind of paint, likely watercolor or gouache. Look at the way the artist approaches the design, it’s like the act of artmaking is a process, not just about the final product. The warm golden colour, almost like baked bread, is mouth watering. The dark terracotta details of the tulip shapes and sinuous stems feel grounded and tactile. Imagine how the artist used a small brush to create these delicate outlines and details. The slightly rough texture of the paper peeking through adds a kind of homemade warmth to the piece. See the way the lines wobble slightly? It's as if Soltmann is more concerned with the feeling of the flower than its exact form, and that's so relatable. Folk art often gets overlooked, but pieces like this remind us that art doesn't need to be slick or complicated to be deeply satisfying. It reminds me a little of Hilma af Klint’s botanical drawings in its simple colour palette.