Doll's Cradle and Quilt c. 1953

Margaret Linsley painted this sweet doll’s cradle and quilt, but we don't know exactly when or where. I like to think of making art like she did, as a process, not as a task. I love the way she’s rendered the wooden cradle with these consistent, careful strokes. It’s as if each little piece of wood grain has been lovingly coaxed into existence with subtle shading, creating a kind of dimensional illusion. But it's really the quilt that grabs my attention, with its mosaic of tiny squares, all nestled together. The colours are so vibrant against the muted background, making you feel the warmth and care that went into its making. It reminds me a bit of some of the pattern paintings of the 1970s, like Miriam Schapiro’s “femmage” works, but with an intimacy that feels unique. It shows that art doesn't have to be loud to be powerful; sometimes, the quietest gestures speak the loudest.