Wrought Iron Balcony Rail c. 1936

Al Curry made this drawing of a "Wrought Iron Balcony Rail" with pen and ink, though I'm not sure exactly when. What strikes me about this piece is the simplicity of line. It feels like a quick sketch, but the lines are so sure. The details in the wrought iron – the little curls and swoops – are what give it its character. Curry has used hatching to create shading and texture, but it's mainly about the contrast between the bare paper and these dark lines that seem to dance and bend. It’s not necessarily how the object looks, but it gives a sense of space. I'm reminded of some of David Hockney's pen and ink drawings, or maybe even some of Matisse's simpler line drawings. It shows the way drawing can embrace the beauty of imperfection.