Colcha 1935 - 1942

Majel G. Claflin designed this colcha, or textile hanging, using gouache and graphite, featuring a stylized floral design. The blossoms and curling vines immediately bring to mind themes of growth and the natural world. But notice how these botanical forms are abstracted, almost geometric. The floral motif is ancient, appearing in diverse cultures from Minoan frescoes to Renaissance tapestries. Over time, the flower has been used to express ideas like fertility, beauty, and the fleeting nature of life. In this textile, Claflin reinterprets traditional folk art, simplifying the forms while retaining their vibrant energy. The choice of a colcha, traditionally a utilitarian bedspread, suggests an intimate, domestic connection. The floral design here evokes a powerful sense of comfort and nature's enduring presence. The composition and color palette draw us in, inviting us to reflect on the beauty and transience of life. The act of making this kind of textile, of bringing the outside in, creates a deeply satisfying sense of psychological harmony.