Flat Iron c. 1936

Curator: Here we have Joseph Stonefield’s pencil drawing, “Flat Iron,” circa 1936. Editor: It's rather imposing, isn't it? Almost sculptural in its solidity. The realism is striking—you can practically feel the weight of the iron and anticipate its heat. Curator: Absolutely. Consider the broader implications. The flat iron wasn’t just a tool; it was integral to domestic labor, predominantly performed by women. What can Stonefield’s selection and treatment of subject matter reveal about societal roles and gendered expectations? Editor: Well, before electricity, ironing was strenuous work, demanding both physical labor and skillful control of temperature, fire, and coal. This isn't a decorative object; it speaks volumes about materiality and process— the domestic labor that goes unacknowledged. Curator: Precisely. Furthermore, the geometric form provides a framework for deconstructing notions of idealized domesticity, allowing us to engage with the object not only as it is represented but also as it exists in relation to the socioeconomic climate. How does realism enhance or challenge those prevailing expectations? Editor: Its austere realism seems almost critical. Think of all the material production tied up in clothing itself – cotton cultivation, textile mills… Stonefield’s rendering encourages us to contemplate these things as well as the hidden work embedded within these familiar domestic objects. Curator: And think about the symbolic power: the careful rendering can almost transform the mundane into the monumental. The simple act of smoothing fabric becomes loaded with complex meanings related to identity and labor. Editor: Agreed. Focusing on something like this compels us to acknowledge a wide scope of overlooked labor – from the industrial output, to raw materials, all the way into domestic spheres. I am starting to feel an almost critical eye towards modern convenience when observing such a rudimentary appliance rendered in such exacting detail. Curator: It prompts vital conversation and exploration. Editor: A silent, everyday revolution, recorded in humble pencil strokes.