Bustle c. 1936

Lillian Causey made "Bustle" using graphite and watercolor on paper. The drawing feels like a memory, doesn’t it? I imagine Causey conjuring the ghost of a garment, trying to capture its essence. I love the way the graphite lines create a delicate, almost transparent, structure, like a dress fading into the background. The watercolor adds a touch of color but doesn’t try to overpower the underlying sketch. Notice how the white floral pattern dances across the dress, creating a sense of movement and texture. It's like Causey is not just drawing a dress but also the feeling of wearing it, the way it might sway and catch the light. It reminds me of artists who use dress patterns as a jumping-off point for more abstract explorations. This piece is a reminder that clothing can be a powerful form of self-expression.