The clothespin, I believe, was invented in 1852 by the Shakers of Warren County, and I'm sure they marvelled at the usefulness and form of this new technology. Through the intervening years, it is still seen as useful by some, but the sense of wonder it once made for has lessened, and I protest! Hence, this photograph. I placed this particular clothespin on a white clotheline, rising on a diagonal against an expansive blue sky. Warm sunlight brings out the age and character of its wood. This humble object has, I think, something grand, even heroic about it.