Ontwerpen in halfprofiel voor Iseger: vazen, bekers, een kom, een bak en een schotel van aardewerk Possibly 1920 - 1928

This is a pencil drawing, made by Theo Colenbrander in 1920, of designs for Iseger pottery: vases, cups, bowls, and plates. The drawing presents these designs as a set of half-profiles, mapped out using a grid that gives the whole sheet a structure. The lines are so thin, it’s like a whisper on the page. It’s not so much a depiction of these objects as an exploration of their potential forms, a way of thinking through the possibilities of what clay can become. Look at how Colenbrander uses these fine pencil lines to suggest the swelling curves of the vases, the gentle flare of the bowls. There’s a real sense of care, of attention to detail. For me, it invites a sense of contemplation, a chance to consider the beauty and simplicity of these everyday objects. It reminds me a little of Agnes Martin’s work, especially in her use of delicate lines to create a feeling of space and light. And like Martin, Colenbrander embraces the beauty of imperfection, allowing the slight wobble of the hand-drawn line to become a part of the work's charm. It’s a reminder that art isn’t about perfection, but about the process of seeing, thinking, and feeling.