A Spicy Yarn 

Gil Elvgren made this drawing, “A Spicy Yarn”, using graphite or charcoal on paper. Here we see the pin-up aesthetic, which Elvgren mastered, brought to bear on the so-called domestic arts. Look at how the artist has skillfully rendered the textures: the soft yarn, the delicate knit of the crop top, the sheen of the stockings. Knitting, of course, is a highly gendered activity, associated with both labor and leisure. Historically, knitters could be found working at home or in factories, producing textiles for personal use or for the market. This drawing hints at that history, by associating sexuality with the homespun quality of handcrafted goods. We should remember that drawing itself is a form of labor, and Elvgren's skill in this medium allowed him to create an image that is both playful and provocative. The interplay between craft, sexuality, and labor adds a layer of complexity to the work, inviting us to reconsider traditional notions of art and value.