Carpet Bag 1935 - 1942

Editor: Here we have Florence Earl’s “Carpet Bag,” a colored pencil drawing created between 1935 and 1942. I’m really drawn to the textures in this image. How does it strike you? Curator: Immediately, one notes the interesting interplay of pattern and form. The texture, created through colored pencil, mimics the tight weave of a carpet, as suggested by the title. But notice how that very texture both defines and nearly dissolves the bag's form and floral decoration. Editor: I see what you mean! It’s like the visual information is competing. What effect does this tension create? Curator: The artist is primarily concerned with line, color, and the formal qualities of her medium, I would suggest. Earl renders three-dimensional objects with such meticulous, patterned coloration that she almost transforms them into abstract studies of surface design. This drawing does not quite succeed in portraying a realistic image, but succeeds beautifully as a work of art that uses everyday life for artistic invention. Do you agree? Editor: I hadn't considered that angle, but seeing how the texture overrides the functionality makes perfect sense. So, you're saying the "what" of the carpet bag isn't as important as "how" it's rendered? Curator: Precisely. The bag is merely a structural support to explore form and design using colors, lines and a particular attention to material. The artist is drawing attention to her skill of applying the medium to the support rather than the object depicted in the drawing. Editor: It’s like a different lens through which to view even the most functional items. I never thought a carpet bag could teach me so much! Curator: Indeed. It demonstrates the transformative power of art when focused on its most basic elements.