Woolen Textile 1940

This woolen textile was made by Archie Thompson, who lived from 1855 to 1995. I’m struck by the colours: the purple, green, and reddish-brown horizontal and vertical lines intersect to form squares and rectangles. When I look at this work, I think of Agnes Martin and the way that she used grids to create a sense of calm. What might Thompson have been thinking? It feels like there is a similar meditative quality to the way that the threads are woven together. The texture is palpable. I can feel the way the fabric might feel cool to the touch, but also maybe a little scratchy. It makes me think about the labour of making and also the history of the craft – how it’s been passed down from generation to generation. I wonder who taught Thompson how to weave? Ultimately, this piece is part of a conversation about art, craft, and the ways we find meaning in the everyday.