Framed Paper Cutting c. 1938

Clyde L. Cheney made this framed paper cutting, memorializing Thomas Jarvis, sometime between 1873 and 1995. It combines the fragility of paper with the precision of sharp tools. The act of cutting transforms a common material into an intricate design. Consider the labor involved. Each cut was carefully planned and executed, demanding focused attention. Cheney likely employed techniques handed down through generations, underscoring craft's transmission through social networks. Note how the dark paper contrasts with the lighter background, creating depth and shadow. The design itself is full of conventional images signifying mourning: doves, a wreath, and a stylized palm tree. The work invites reflection on mortality and remembrance, as well as questions about the values we ascribe to different kinds of skill. Cheney's choice of paper elevates the medium, demonstrating that profound meaning can emerge from everyday materials. It challenges distinctions between craft and fine art, reminding us of the cultural significance embedded in the making process.