Santa Fe Building: Terracotta Block with Foliate Design 1904

This terracotta block with foliate design was made for the Santa Fe Building by D.H. Burnham & Co. There's something incredibly satisfying about seeing this block. It's a relief, literally and figuratively, from the flat surfaces we usually associate with buildings. The creamy color makes it almost edible, like a fancy cake decoration. Look closely, and you can see the hand of the maker. The swirls and curves of the leaves aren’t perfectly symmetrical, giving it a lively, organic feel. The texture is matte and slightly rough, which contrasts nicely with the delicate design. That intentionality and control of form reminds me of some of Eva Hesse's reliefs; the way she balanced organic form and geometric structure. Art is always a conversation across time, and this block whispers of past dialogues and future possibilities. It reminds us that even the most functional objects can be beautiful and thought-provoking.