-Deer- still bank c. 1920s

The A.C. Williams Company made this -Deer- still bank out of cast iron sometime around the turn of the century. The overall effect is striking; the single block of color lends a feeling of unity, but I can't help but zoom in on the paintwork, how it's worn and pockmarked. The texture is the key here, because it feels like an index of time itself. I love the contrast between the smooth, almost glossy red paint, and the dark, rough patches underneath where it’s been rubbed away. It's like the sculpture is slowly revealing its history through the process of wear and tear. It reminds me of the work of Elie Nadelman, who was also interested in folk art and the way that simple, unadorned forms could evoke a sense of timelessness. Both artists seem to be suggesting that art is not just about the finished product, but also about the process of making, and the way that time and use can transform an object into something more meaningful.