Beaded Bag c. 1939

This beaded bag, made by Marion Gaskill, is a wild garden of stitched color. I can imagine Marion, needle in hand, carefully placing each tiny bead, building up a world of floral wonder. What was she thinking as she worked? Was it a meditation, a way to pass the time, or a burning desire to create beauty? I love the way the bright yellow sunflower bursts forth, contrasting with the soft pink rose. The blues add a touch of whimsy, like tiny hidden jewels. There's a real physicality to the work. You can almost feel the texture of the beads, the way they catch the light. Each stitch is a decision, a mark of Marion's hand. This piece reminds me that artists are always in conversation, sharing ideas and inspiring each other, whether they know it or not. It’s about embracing the messy, the imperfect, and the uncertain, finding new ways to see and feel the world.