Applique Quilt 1935 - 1942

Mildred Bent made this Applique Quilt, and it's a beautiful example of the conversation between process and image. It's all about these repeated leaf shapes in a cool green that feels calm, but with a definite pulse. The texture is what really grabs me. You can almost feel the different layers of fabric, the way the leaves are stitched on, giving them this slightly raised, almost 3D effect. There's a kind of wabi-sabi thing happening, this acceptance of the handmade, the little imperfections that make it so human. Look at one of the leaves, for example; it's not perfect, it's got its own little quirks, and that’s what makes it sing. It reminds me a bit of the work of Gee’s Bend quilters. This Applique Quilt isn't just about warmth; it's about seeing the world in a new way.