Lace c. 1936

Gordena Jackson created this design for lace, using pencil and watercolor. It is not known exactly when she made it. Think about the labor involved in making real lace. It's an incredibly time-consuming process, often associated with women's work, and with long hours spent hunched over a loom or needle. This design is quite intricate, with swirling lines and delicate floral patterns. The subtle washes of color give a sense of depth, hinting at the three-dimensionality of actual fabric. While we don't know the specific context in which Jackson created this design, it's easy to imagine her considering the challenges and opportunities of the lace-making trade. Was she hoping to inspire new techniques, or perhaps to preserve a disappearing craft? Either way, by focusing our attention on the materials and processes involved, we can begin to appreciate the full meaning of this deceptively simple artwork. It bridges the gap between fine art and craft.