Wallpaper 1935 - 1942

Lee Hager designed this wallpaper with repeating flower arrangements in watercolor and graphite. I imagine them working in a studio full of light. And I can almost see the artist carefully plotting the design, each stroke considered, building a world of blooms on a modest piece of paper. The rhythmic pattern, like a sweet song that's easy to hum, is like a painter finding their way, each repetition a moment of meditation, each slight variation a whisper of individuality. The muted palette speaks to Hager's restraint and a deep understanding of color harmony. I think I want to paint my studio this color. And these delicate, whimsical shapes, that somehow remind me of the works of Hilma af Klint, are a testament to the enduring power of pattern and the beauty of a handmade mark in a mass-produced world. Hager reminds us that every act of creation, no matter how small, is an act of love.