Embroidered Lace c. 1936

Florence Stevenson made this drawing of embroidered lace, probably in the late 19th or early 20th century; it's all about patient observation and careful mark-making, isn’t it? You can tell she understood the rhythm and structure of lace, not just copying but really feeling how the forms interlock. Look at how she rendered the different textures. The solid black of the floral motifs against the ground of the netting. The contrast makes the whole thing vibrate, like an op-art painting! Then notice the little dots and dashes – like tiny stitches themselves. It's kind of crazy to think about the labor involved, both in making the lace and in drawing it. Stevenson’s drawing reminds me a bit of Vija Celmins' meticulous depictions of everyday objects. Both artists share that intense focus and dedication to process. And maybe that's what art is all about, losing yourself in the act of looking and making, finding beauty in the details.