Saddle 1935 - 1942

Gordena Jackson made this drawing of a Saddle sometime in the 20th century. Look at the way she’s used delicate brown washes, it's all about the process of layering thin colours, building up a rich texture. The material is the message here. The paper is raw and exposed, and the paint almost stains it, rather than sitting on the surface. See how the saddle is rendered in precise detail but at the same time floats in a dreamy space. The lines feel descriptive, but they also vibrate. I'm drawn to the way the fringes hang loose, like threads of memory. It reminds me a little of Alfred Jensen, in the way it makes something deeply personal out of everyday objects. Ultimately this Saddle isn't just a picture of a thing; it's a portal to thinking about the way we see, the way we remember, and the stories we tell ourselves.