Small Carved Chest c. 1939

This “Small Carved Chest” by Ralph Boyer, who lived from 1855 to 1995, really hits a sweet spot for me. I’m imagining Boyer carefully carving those looping, rhythmic patterns into the wood, maybe in his backyard, with wood shavings piling up around his feet. The red paint he used inside those carved-out shapes has a certain rustic charm. It's not trying to be perfect, you know? I wonder if he ever thought about leaving the wood bare, or maybe trying a different color? It makes me think about the anonymous craftspeople from centuries ago, passing down traditions, each adding their little twist. Boyer’s got his own twist, for sure. His “Small Carved Chest” is a beautiful example of how one artist picks up the conversation and keeps it going.