Shaker Cupboard 1935 - 1942

This drawing of a Shaker cupboard was made with ink, graphite, and watercolor on paper. Imagine the maker, their hand and eye moving slowly as they describe the object. The cupboard rendered in an honest light – simple, minimal, and functional. I wonder, how did the artist create the illusion of depth and form on a flat surface? The wood tone is achieved through layers of transparent color washes. This gentle rendering embodies the Shaker values of simplicity, utility, and integrity. I look at this piece, and I think about Agnes Martin and her use of grids. She found that something magical happened when you reduced form to its bare essence. The Shakers did, too. The artist looks closely at the world to find their vision. In turn, we can all look at the world through the artist's eye.