Clock 1935 - 1942

This drawing of a clock was made by John Dieterich, but when is a little unclear. It’s a study in browns, in a way that reminds me of Morandi's bottles, except instead of muted colours, it’s a celebration of grain. The artist takes a simple subject and uses it as a vehicle to explore the textures and tones of wood. Look closely, and you’ll see these tiny, precise lines that define the clock's form, creating this sense of depth and solidity. Notice how the grain of the wood is rendered, each stroke carefully placed to mimic the natural patterns of the material. There’s a real sense of care here, and of time. It’s a patient, meditative act of observation, inviting us to slow down and appreciate the quiet beauty of the everyday. I'm reminded of Agnes Martin's grids, in the way the Dieterich makes a virtue of something simple, almost overlooked.