Wooden Spoon and Fork c. 1939

This is John Cutting’s drawing of a wooden spoon and fork. The evenness of the marks, the way the grain is rendered, it all suggests a methodical process, a devotion to observation. The texture of the wood is palpable, you can almost feel the smoothness worn into the spoon. The level of detail is so fine, right down to the floral carvings on the handles. I love how the light catches the edges, creating depth and volume. It’s such a simple pairing, but it’s rendered with so much care, elevating these everyday objects to something worth contemplation. It makes me think of Giorgio Morandi, another artist who found endless inspiration in the mundane, showing us how much beauty can be found if you really look. Ultimately, the conversation between artists is about perception and the way we, as artists, find the extraordinary in the ordinary.