Quilt (Crib Quilt) 1935 - 1942

Francis Law Durand made this quilt sometime in the 20th century, with cotton, thread, and presumably a whole lot of love. I am drawn to the way the repetitive starburst pattern, rendered in soft reds and pinks, invites us to consider artmaking as a process of accumulation and transformation. Each star is framed within a square, and it’s the subtle variations in color and texture that make this piece so compelling. The quilted surface has this lovely dimensionality, a kind of topographical map of stitched gestures. Look at the lower right-hand corner: you can see where the fabric bunches slightly, creating a shadow that adds depth and weight to the overall design. It’s as if Durand is reminding us that art is not just about the finished product but the journey of its creation. It makes me think of Gee’s Bend quilters, whose improvisational designs share a similar spirit of resourcefulness and creative freedom. Quilts, like paintings, are never just one thing; they are alive with possibility.