Speldje Drees A 1910 - 1980

This small metal and enamel pin was made by an anonymous artist. The bright red ground, surrounded by gold trim, is immediately eye-catching. What’s so compelling to me is the process of its making, which is so clear. Look closely, and you can see the slight imperfections of the enameling process. The textures are not perfectly smooth, and the outlines aren't flawlessly precise. It's these minute variations that give the piece its charm, hinting at the human touch involved in its creation. See how the “A” is slightly off-center? This kind of playful asymmetry mirrors the unexpected, generative moments you find in process-based art. I find myself thinking of the work of Corita Kent, the pop artist and Catholic nun. Like Kent, the creator of this pin celebrates the beauty and power of everyday objects through the lens of personal expression and social engagement. Art is, after all, an ongoing conversation, a dialogue across time and traditions that celebrates ambiguity and the myriad ways of seeing the world.