Candle Holder 1935 - 1942

This watercolour candle holder by Hal Blakeley features a muted lilac, creating a soft and dreamy effect. Imagine Blakeley at work, carefully planning the composition, building it up layer by layer. Those fine lines and geometric patterns might have taken real patience. I imagine a conversation unfolding between the artist and the paper, the image emerging through trial and error. The wheels around the edge almost look like they could turn. Is the candle holder static or in motion? I'm drawn to the overall symmetry and balance. The central circle is divided into segments like a pie, each one meticulously detailed. It reminds me of folk art, where everyday objects are transformed into decorative treasures. It makes me wonder about the role of the handmade in our lives and how artists find beauty in the simplest things. This piece invites us to slow down, notice the details, and appreciate the care and attention that went into its making.