Needlepoint and Beadwork Square c. 1937

Erwin Schwabe made this "Needlepoint and Beadwork Square" with tiny, patient stitches of thread and beads. Look how the texture almost vibrates with the effort it must have taken! I love how the maroon background makes the muted pinks and greens of the floral design pop. It reminds me of the way colors can shift and change depending on their surroundings. Notice that the stitches create little geometric patterns that contrast with the organic shapes of the flowers. It’s like a conversation between control and chaos. Follow the lines of beading around the edge, how they swell and curve. These add depth and dimension, elevating the craft to something more. This piece reminds me of Hilma af Klint, in the way it brings together detailed, almost scientific imagery with something deeply felt and intuitive. Ultimately, it speaks to the endless possibilities that emerge when we embrace the unexpected.