Straw Inlay Cross c. 1937

Margery Parish made this Straw Inlay Cross, and as the title suggests, it's crafted from straw using the age-old technique of inlay. Rather than traditional art materials, Parish elevates the humble straw to create intricate geometric and floral patterns across the cross's surface. The straw, carefully cut and arranged, brings a unique texture and warmth. Inlay work, like this piece, is time-consuming, requiring patience and precision. It sits outside the traditional modes of industrial production or capitalism. The act of transforming something as simple as straw into a visually arresting object invites us to consider labor, skill, and the value we place on handmade versus mass-produced items. Parish’s choice of material and technique challenges conventional distinctions between fine art and craft, reminding us that profound beauty and meaning can be found in the most unexpected places and processes.