Andiron c. 1936

Mildred Ford made this drawing of an andiron with what looks like graphite on paper. It depicts two views of an andiron, each rendered with delicate lines and a keen eye for form. I can imagine her patiently building up the tones and textures, one mark at a time. What’s interesting is how she has chosen to represent this utilitarian object. It makes me think of the act of translation that occurs when we try to capture something real on paper. Ford is almost playing with the objecthood of the object! The texture of the metal is evoked through subtle shading, while the overall composition balances precision with a gentle, handmade quality. It makes me want to draw an andiron myself and see how it transforms. Artists like Ford remind us that there is something innately human in the act of observation and drawing; a connection between the hand, the eye, and the heart.