Hand-carved Walnut Book Covers c. 1936

These walnut book covers were hand-carved by Gordena Jackson sometime before 1993. Imagine Jackson in her studio, carefully selecting a piece of walnut, feeling the grain, and envisioning the intricate patterns she'll bring to life. The curves on the left are deeply satisfying. Look at how the lines swirl and dance, creating a sense of movement and organic flow, with initials nestled snugly. On the right, geometric shapes create a sense of order and precision, with more initials, this time in a hexagon. I wonder what Jackson was thinking about as she carved each line, each curve, each shape? The texture of the wood adds depth and warmth, inviting you to reach out and feel the contours of the carvings. Jackson’s handiwork feels intimate and personal, like a conversation between the artist and the material, between the artist and the reader.