Embroidered Edging c. 1938

This drawing of embroidered edging was made by Marie Famularo. It's all in pencil, with greys, graphite, and silvery white, that all seem to blend into the paper. Looking at this, I imagine Marie with her pencil in hand, her mind so full of detail, each little loop and curve so carefully considered. It reminds me of the way Agnes Martin would draw lines over and over, each one subtly different, a meditation in mark-making. I see Marie, lost in the tiny world of the embroidery, each stitch a universe of its own, and I wonder if she knew how much of herself she was putting into this. This isn't just a drawing of lace, it's a portrait of patience, diligence and devotion. It’s her own abstract expression, in a quiet and understated key. She's in conversation with all of us makers, sharing her passion for line, shape, and the beauty of everyday things.