Crock c. 1937

Here, we have Yolande Delasser’s “Crock,” of unknown date. In it, Delasser uses watercolor and graphite to depict a utilitarian object. Delasser was associated with the Index of American Design, a WPA program during the New Deal era. The program employed artists to document American decorative and folk arts. Consider how “Crock” embodies the intersection of art, labor, and national identity. It prompts us to reflect on the role of craft in shaping cultural heritage. The original crock, rendered here with careful detail, speaks to the artistry embedded in everyday objects. The blue botanical design is a nod to the tradition of decorating functional items, elevating them beyond mere utility. "Crock" encapsulates a moment in American history where art served not only aesthetic purposes, but also as a form of cultural preservation and a source of employment during times of economic hardship. It reminds us of the human stories embedded in the objects we often take for granted.