"Ocean Wave" Quilt Bedcover c. 1883

Frances Brooks Wyld’s "Ocean Wave" Quilt Bedcover is made with fabric intricately sewn into a pattern that evokes the rhythmic undulation of ocean waves, with an emphasis on the use of triangles to suggest constant flux. The wave motif has appeared across cultures, from ancient Greek pottery to Hokusai's woodblock prints. It represents both the life-giving and destructive aspects of nature. Note how the quilt translates the raw power into something domestic and comforting. In our collective consciousness, water, especially the ocean, can symbolize the unconscious and emotional depths, reflecting our inner turmoil and tranquility. Wyld's repetitive pattern evokes the hypnotic quality of the sea, lulling one into contemplation. This textile invites us to consider the ebb and flow of personal and collective memory. The cultural memory, much like the ocean, is ever-present, shaping our perceptions.