Cruciform - Bulto 1935 - 1942

Majel G. Claflin painted this striking Cruciform most likely with watercolour and ink. I’m picturing her, brush in hand, carefully building up the tones and textures, maybe in a single sitting, making decisions on the fly, as the figure gradually takes shape on the paper. It’s interesting to see how she rendered the bulto, that three-dimensional sculpture. You know, it's not just a copy; it’s Claflin’s interpretation. The texture, the colors, the very lines she chose – they all speak to her personal vision. I bet she was thinking about folk art traditions while giving it her own spin, the drips of paint suggesting the flow of blood, the stripes and patterns providing structure. It's fascinating to consider the conversation between artists across time. Like, how does folk art inform contemporary practice, and vice versa? It’s like we’re all just riffing off each other, playing a game of telephone through the ages. And ultimately, it’s about embracing uncertainty and leaving space for multiple readings.