Andiron (one of pair) c. 1938

This is an image of a metal object, an andiron. It was made by Herman Bader, who was born in 1855 and died in 1995. Looking at this, I imagine the artist leaning over their drafting table, carefully considering the weight and density of this common household object. The drawing is so precise, so clear! It makes me think about craftsmanship, labor, and the way we imbue everyday things with meaning. You can almost feel the heat radiating from the fireplace, the smell of burning wood, and the satisfaction of a warm, cozy home. Bader is interested in more than just representation. There's a kind of reverence here, a quiet contemplation of form and function, like a meditation. I love the way that artists keep these conversations alive, transforming the ordinary into something sublime.