Coverlet 1935 - 1942

This coverlet was made by Mae A. Clarke sometime in the late nineteenth century from fabric and thread. It’s such an interesting piece, the artist approaches this textile work with such methodical precision, and I love that it has a homemade feel about it too, you know? The combination of the beige of the fabric with the variety of blue hues in the thread creates this calming yet intricate effect. I’m particularly drawn to the little heart shape in the bottom left corner. Its asymmetry and the slight imperfections in the stitching give it a very human quality, a unique voice. It’s a reminder that artmaking is about the process, the journey, and the artist's hand. It reminds me a little bit of the work of Agnes Martin, who also embraced the grid structure as a space for contemplation, but I also think of Gee’s Bend quilters, with their ingenious approach to design and materials. This piece is a testament to the idea that art is an ongoing dialogue across time and mediums, a testament to the power of embracing ambiguity.