Shaker Pin Cushion c. 1937

Editor: So this is a watercolor and drawing of a Shaker Pin Cushion, made around 1937 by William Paul Childers. I’m struck by its simple geometry and the muted tones. It almost feels…nostalgic. What jumps out at you about this work? Curator: Nostalgic is a good word for it! It’s the kind of object that makes you think of a grandmother's sewing kit. I see echoes of folk art traditions here, but with a definite modernist twist. Notice the flat, almost graphic, representation of the cushion, versus a more photographic, realistic representation. Childers hasn't just documented the pin cushion. He has *reinterpreted* it. Does that resonate for you? Editor: Absolutely. It's not just an illustration, it's more like an abstracted memory of a pin cushion. What does "Shaker" mean in this context? Curator: Ah, excellent question! The Shakers were a religious group known for their simple living, innovative craftsmanship, and commitment to functionality. Their aesthetic principles – think clean lines, usefulness, and a quiet beauty – heavily influenced design. You can feel it even in this…homage to their craft. Editor: I see, it’s about a connection to a whole belief system. The pin cushion as an artifact connected to faith. That’s really fascinating. I was only seeing the surface before. Curator: Art has layers like an onion, my friend! And sometimes, the best way to see them is by letting the work whisper its secrets. This unassuming watercolor offers us a little portal into a unique cultural and aesthetic ethos. I learn something new from it every time!