Pincushion c. 1937

Editor: So this is “Pincushion,” made around 1937 with watercolor and colored pencil. It’s much more intricate than I would expect for something that’s ultimately functional, more like a decorative craft than just a pincushion. What catches your eye? Curator: The material interplay is interesting. The use of watercolor and colored pencil – both relatively accessible and common materials – elevates this seemingly simple object. What appears as decoration belies the labor involved in the drawing's intricate, almost kaleidoscopic design. Have you considered the social implications of domestic crafts during that period? Editor: Not really! But I guess during the Depression era, homemade items would be much more common than store-bought ones. Does the drawing itself then become a commentary on resourcefulness and even female labor? Curator: Precisely. The meticulous detail suggests not only skill but also time, a resource often plentiful during periods of economic hardship. Think about who would have made such an object, the likely circumstances, the intended purpose – beyond mere utility. The 'decorative-art' style emphasizes aesthetic value, even in the face of financial constraints. Does this shift your perception of the piece? Editor: Definitely. I was initially thinking of it as a simple still life, but thinking about the materials as markers of labor and resourcefulness makes it a much more powerful image. Thank you! Curator: My pleasure. It’s often rewarding to examine how everyday objects become imbued with meaning through their materiality and the social conditions of their making. I'll keep an eye out for this when analyzing similar works.