Crewel Embroidery c. 1937

This Crewel Embroidery was made by Helen E. Gilman, though we don't know exactly when. The stitching feels both intentional and carefree, like a garden growing without too much interference. I love the tension between the flat surface and the texture of the thread. The fabric has a gentle sheen, and the embroidery floss adds a tactile dimension. The bird, perched so delicately on its branch, is my favorite part. Its feathers are these bright, hopeful stripes of red, yellow and blue, a total contrast to the muted background. It’s as if the artist has captured a fleeting moment of joy and stitched it into permanence. I see echoes of artists like Sophie Taeuber-Arp who explored textiles as a form of abstract expression. There is a real conversation here about the beauty of everyday objects and the potential for art to be both functional and deeply personal.