Individual Container for Indian's Daily Portion of Food c. 1940

Rose Campbell-Gerke made this watercolour of a metal vessel sometime in the early to mid 20th century, paying attention to the details and textures of the object in front of her. Look closely at the way that Rose has used thin washes of colour, especially the way she has captured the mottled surface of the container, with its reds, greens and browns. It reminds us that art isn't just about capturing a perfect image; it's about the process, the conversation between the artist and their subject. It's almost like a collaboration. That handle, for instance. See how it curls and twists? It’s not just a functional part of the container; it's a little dance, a playful gesture. Rose invites us to slow down, to really see the world around us, to appreciate the beauty in the everyday, well-worn objects we might otherwise overlook. Think of the quiet still life paintings of Giorgio Morandi, or even some of the humble vessels depicted by Agnes Martin. Rose shows us that art is everywhere.