Wedding Dress c. 1936

Marie Mitchell made this drawing of a wedding dress at an unknown date, but what strikes me is her approach, how the image is built up with these very controlled marks, and a palette that feels both dreamy and precise. It’s like she’s figured out a way to visualise a memory. Looking closely, the texture of the paper peeks through the watercolour, creating a gentle, almost faded effect. The floral pattern seems to float on the fabric, each tiny bloom carefully placed. It's this meticulousness that holds my attention, especially when I think about the unseen labor involved in making clothes, and how Marie has chosen to depict it. The details, like the lace trim and the tiny floral motifs, tell a story of dedication and care. It puts me in mind of the drawings of costume designs by Natalia Goncharova, with their bold colors and theatrical flair. Both artists capture the spirit of a particular time, but with very different approaches. Ultimately, the beauty of art lies in its ability to express the same idea through infinite voices.