Quilt c. 1939

Frank Gutting made this drawing of a quilt in pencil on paper. Looking at this piece, I’m struck by the obsessive nature of the mark-making, the repetition, and variation of shape, the pressure and release of the artist's hand. You can feel the artist in every millimeter. The delicate lines trace the patterns, creating a gentle hum of textures. See how the artist has carefully rendered the different patterns, from floral motifs to geometric grids? The pencil work is delicate, almost ghostly, like a memory of a quilt rather than a literal representation. It reminds me of Agnes Martin’s drawings, the way she used subtle variations in line to create a sense of depth and movement. But where Martin's lines are cool and detached, Gutting’s marks feel warm, intimate. This quilt drawing isn't just an image; it's an invitation to feel the comfort, care, and craft of a handmade object.