Unfinished quilt top (pattern of boxes) c. 19th century

Editor: This is an intriguing piece titled "Unfinished Quilt Top (pattern of boxes)" by Mary Swain, from the 19th century. It uses mixed media, specifically fibre art and textiles. I’m struck by the unfinished edges; it’s like a glimpse into the process of creation. What story does this unfinished state tell you? Curator: The materiality and the evident labor are primary. We see not just the finished product, but a tangible record of its making. Notice the deliberate choices: the different fabrics, likely scraps from other garments or textiles, each carrying its own history and signifying a resourceful act of material re-use common in many households. How does the unfinished state alter our perception of this object as "art" versus functional item? Editor: It definitely blurs the lines. If it was completed, it might just be seen as a regular quilt. The raw edges make you think about all the hands that touched the materials. Do you think that’s intentional? Curator: Intentionality is a loaded term. What's more important is examining how necessity shapes production. Quilts, especially unfinished ones like this, show us the reality of labor – time constraints, material limitations, and perhaps shifting priorities within a domestic sphere. How does this connect to broader histories of gendered labor and craft? Editor: So, it’s less about the artist's intention, and more about understanding the social and economic context surrounding the quilt's creation? Curator: Precisely. We consider the available resources, the skills required, and the cultural value placed on this kind of labor. The quilt becomes an index of its own making and its potential function within a community or household. Editor: I never considered a quilt could offer such insight into the maker’s circumstances. Looking at it this way has completely shifted my understanding of the piece. Curator: Exactly. Examining the 'how' and 'why' of its creation enriches our understanding far beyond aesthetic appreciation alone. It really shows us that “art” can be in everything.