Hooked Rug c. 1937

Curator: This textile work is entitled "Hooked Rug" created around 1937 by William P. Shearwood. It seems to represent a very pastoral scene. Editor: Immediately, I am drawn to the textural quality. You can almost feel the loops and knots of the fibers used. It’s intriguing how the material itself contributes to the overall naive and folksy atmosphere of the landscape. Curator: Indeed, and the scene is very traditional, featuring bunnies, ducks on a pond, a distant church, and a modest house nestled beside a tree. The symbolic weight of these familiar motifs adds layers of meaning—family, nature, community, faith, all enclosed within this hand-crafted rug. Editor: What’s particularly interesting to me is the labor involved. Hooked rugs like this were often made using recycled materials, scraps of fabric repurposed and given new life through meticulous handiwork. It speaks to a time of resourcefulness and the inherent value placed on handcrafted items. Curator: Absolutely. The act of creating something so beautiful and functional from humble materials elevates it beyond mere decoration. It hints at narratives woven into each loop, reflecting the maker's personal history and cultural context. Notice also the floral framing this idyllic scene! Editor: Exactly. This contrast also calls attention to production, with these beautiful naturalistic but clearly ornamental elements acting as the literal frame that situates a depiction of Westchester county, implying a commercial exchange of material with some external economy. It creates a fascinating tension. What was Shearwood’s purpose in using these materials and subjects to begin with? Curator: It's a compelling question, given the juxtaposition of homespun craft and a recognizable scene, maybe for domestic consumption, given it is textile art that is very suggestive of rugs. This artwork encapsulates layers of personal, social, and even spiritual meaning that resonate deeply. Editor: Yes, and thinking about all the material that came into the work in order to make this image—repurposed rags and cloth made an image of re-use for anyone experiencing the art today.