Toleware Tray 1935 - 1942

This Toleware Tray was made by Mildred Ford, we don’t know exactly when, but look at how the colors seem to bloom across its surface. It's like watching a garden come to life, stroke by stroke. The tray feels grounded and familiar, doesn't it? There’s a wonderful simplicity to the way the colors are laid down, transparent washes mixed with opaque daubs. The dark center is like a pool, reflecting the light from the fruit and flowers around it, while the red petals and blush on the peaches feel so immediate, so tactile. The edge of the tray itself is like a frame, a dark, grounding presence that allows the lighter, brighter elements to pop. Notice how the brown leaves are placed around the tray, the shapes organic and flowing. It reminds me a little of those outsider artists, like Bill Traylor, who also found a unique voice through simple means. But maybe that’s just me, seeing connections where others don’t. Either way, it’s a piece that invites you to slow down, to savor the beauty in the everyday.