Patchwork Quilt c. 1936

This watercolour, "Patchwork Quilt," by Mary Berner, is all soft mauves and gentle patterns. I can almost feel the artist’s hand moving with quiet precision, one careful brushstroke following another, building up these repeated motifs. I imagine Mary, maybe in a sunny room, utterly absorbed in the act of painting this image of a quilt. What was she thinking about as she worked? Each star seems to blossom, alive with tiny, curling gestures. And then the quiet geometry of the grid. Notice how the surface feels worn, like fabric, capturing a sense of familiarity and comfort. For me, this piece speaks to the domestic, the handmade, and the intimate kind of art that often gets overlooked. It reminds me of the work of Gee’s Bend quilters, who transformed everyday materials into stunning works of art. I see in Mary's painting the same spirit of creativity, resourcefulness, and a quiet conversation between craft and fine art.