Double Star Patchwork Quilt c. 1939

Editor: This is Maud Holme's "Double Star Patchwork Quilt," made around 1939 using drawing, coloured pencil, and textile techniques. It feels both folksy and precise at the same time. What structural elements stand out to you? Curator: I am immediately drawn to the geometry. Consider how Holme has utilized the star motif. The central star, with its deep brown hue, is balanced by the surrounding geometric components, a series of angular and repeating shapes in blues, browns and off whites. Editor: The repetition is definitely noticeable! Curator: Yes, and the work is carefully executed with what appears to be a calculated, even rigorous, compositional balance, which plays nicely against the textures, colors and patterns that disrupt any perfect mirroring within this work. Do you see where this compositional approach becomes evident? Editor: I think so. The central star draws your eye in. Then there's a diagonal movement downwards established through the other geometric elements and variations in colour. Curator: Precisely! The textural detail, achieved through coloured pencil on what is likely paper, mimics the quilting process, drawing attention to the materiality implied. It cleverly uses drawing to represent quilting. Do you notice the various patterned textures on display, particularly the way it makes a focal point on the materiality of folk art quilting? Editor: I see what you mean. It is an interplay of represented and suggested textures. Curator: Indeed. Through a close examination of its formal qualities, "Double Star Patchwork Quilt" transcends a mere depiction of a craft object; instead it offers a considered study of form, repetition, and implied materiality, pushing us to think about what Holme might be signalling through her choices. Editor: It's fascinating how analyzing the composition reveals so much more about the artist's intentions. Thanks for pointing those out.