Log Cabin Quilt 1935 - 1942

This Log Cabin Quilt was made by Charlotte Angus, who lived from 1911 to 1989; what really grabs me is the way she pieced together these fabric rectangles, not perfectly, but with a kind of intuitive rhythm. There's a real materiality to this quilt - you can almost feel the different textures of the fabrics. The center of the quilt features these incredible blocks of color, built up of various hues from deep brown to vibrant oranges. Then, along the edge, there's this wild vine with grapes, all stitched with a naive exuberance. Take a close look at one of the green leaves. See how it's slightly wonky, imperfect? I love that. It's a reminder that art is about process, about the hand, about the journey of making. Angus's quilt reminds me of the Gee's Bend quilters, those unsung geniuses who turned scraps into masterpieces. Like their work, this quilt embraces imperfection and the beauty of the handmade. It's a reminder that art can be found in the everyday, in the things we create to keep ourselves warm and comfortable.