Colcha 1935 - 1942

Majel G. Claflin made this 'Colcha' sometime between the late 19th and early 20th century, most likely with gouache or tempera on paper. The image emerges with an earnest simplicity, like a home-sewn craft! I can imagine Claflin, patiently layering each petal and leaf, feeling her way through color choices. Look how the pink ric-rac pattern jives with the smooth blue! There’s a definite rhythm in her design. Maybe she was influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement, trying to bring beauty and handmade charm into everyday life. What a lovely sentiment. These motifs echo through time. Think about Hilma af Klint, or even Matisse with his cut-outs – all riffing on nature, color, and pattern. Artists share ideas and styles, an infinite game of telephone. It reminds us that we are always in conversation with those who came before, discovering new ways to express ourselves.