Star & Ring Quilt c. 1938

Manuel G. Runyan made this 'Star & Ring Quilt' with watercolor and graphite on paper. I love the way the star seems to burst outwards, asserting its presence with such confidence. I imagine Runyan hunched over his desk, carefully sketching out the geometric patterns, each line a testament to his dedication. There's a beautiful tension here, a balance between the precision of the design and the organic feel of the materials. The texture of the paper, the way the watercolor bleeds and blends. I love the imperfections of the lines around the star, which gives it this wonky, homemade quality. Quilts have always been about more than just warmth; they're about community, history, and personal expression. I think this piece speaks to a wider tradition of craft and artistry, reminding us of the human touch in a world that often feels too polished. It feels like folk art but also reminds me of the pattern paintings of the 70s by artists like Joyce Kozloff who looked to textiles and tiling for inspiration. What do you think?