Dough Trough c. 1937

Carl Keksi made this watercolor on paper, called Dough Trough, at some point during his long life. The way the warm yellows and browns bleed and blend, it's like Keksi is letting the paint itself take part in the process of describing this object. There's something so matter-of-fact about the way this dough trough is rendered. The texture is smooth, but you can still see the grain and knots of the wood beneath the surface. It's a quiet, almost meditative study of an object that, in its own way, holds memories of labor and sustenance. The curves of the legs are particularly satisfying, like a dance between utility and something a bit more playful. It reminds me a bit of Morandi’s still lifes, where everyday objects are imbued with a quiet dignity through careful observation. Like Morandi, Keksi finds beauty in the mundane, turning a simple kitchen tool into a subject worthy of contemplation. It’s a reminder that art can be found in the most unexpected places.