Pincushion c. 1938

This drawing of a pincushion chair was made by M. Louise Kent. Kent uses watercolor and graphite on paper to represent the domestic object. The rendering captures the plush velvet of the pincushion, and the twisted gold trim of the chair's frame. These elements speak to the history of making, particularly needlework, a craft traditionally associated with women and the domestic sphere. The attention to detail and the delicate rendering of textures suggest a deep appreciation for the tactile qualities of the materials involved. The drawing elevates the pincushion chair beyond its utilitarian function. Through her careful application of graphite and watercolor, Kent transforms a humble object into a study of form, color, and texture. It asks us to reconsider the value we place on objects of daily use and the labor involved in their creation.