Crazy Quilt c. 1940

Edith Magnette made this 'Crazy Quilt' from an unknown date with watercolour and graphite on paper, and it really sings to me of process, of things coming together! I love the idea of ‘crazy’ as a method - the off-kilter angle of the forms and a playful, improvisational rhythm. You can see that Magnette approaches color in the same way; it’s all about the balance of the composition. The textures, colours and shapes create a harmonious whole. Look closely at the individual marks, and you'll find such care; each shape feels hand-made, considered. Notice how the eye travels around, the stitched edges act as borders but also routes, like pathways through a garden. Think of similar artists like Mary Heilmann, who also take everyday, functional forms and elevate them with their artistic vision. There's so much going on here, it’s more about feeling than understanding; a celebration of the power of ambiguity.