Fingerbowl c. 1929 - 1930

This is a silver fingerbowl, with three little side bowls, here at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, and its maker is unknown. You know, it’s interesting how objects made for daily use, like this bowl, can become artworks over time. The surface is wonderfully tarnished, almost like a monochrome painting, and the embossed floral design adds a layer of depth and texture. Think about the person who made this, patiently hammering and shaping the metal, adding those little details. It's so process oriented, it's all about the touch. Look at the way the light catches on the curves of the bowls, creating subtle shifts in tone. Notice that one petal that seems slightly more worn than the others, as if it has been touched by countless fingers, which is kind of the point. It’s like a conversation across time and space, connecting us to the past, and reminding us of the beauty that can be found in the everyday. It reminds me of some of Eva Hesse's work, but of course, much older.