Woven Coverlet c. 1937

Ralph Atkinson made this woven coverlet, probably on a loom, sometime in the 20th century. It is made of wool with a fringe, and is navy, red and white. I can only imagine the labor and time that went into making this coverlet. It makes me think of Agnes Martin and her grids, or even some of those early computer paintings, but made by hand. Look at how the red and white are woven into the navy ground to make these cool geometric designs and pictograms. It's like a secret code, or some kind of language. The fringe makes me think of hair; the coverlet is somehow alive, like it has a personality. I wonder if the pattern and design were all in Ralph's head, or if he was following a traditional pattern? Either way, it's amazing how one person’s vision and labor can turn simple materials into something beautiful and useful. It reminds us that art can be found in the everyday.