Carved Storage or Pin Box c. 1939

Rolland Ayres made this drawing of a carved storage or pin box sometime in the 20th century. The ochre and sienna palette gives it a warm, aged feel, like an old photograph, don't you think? Looking closely, the surface is built up with delicate, intentional marks. See how the light catches on the carved details? The artist really wants us to see the texture and form of the object. There's a sensitivity in the way he's captured the play of light and shadow, almost as if he's caressing the object with his gaze. Take a look at the top of the box; see the horse drawn cart? It's like a tiny stage, a miniature drama frozen in time. It’s easy to imagine someone carefully choosing where to place their precious pins inside this box, cherishing it as more than just storage. You can imagine Ayres seeing beauty in the everyday. Like Joseph Cornell, maybe? Both showing us how art can be found in the most unexpected places.