Tufted Candlewick Bedspread c. 1939

This Tufted Candlewick Bedspread, by Catherine Fowler, looks like it was made with graphite on paper. The overall impression is one of careful study of repetitive patterns and textures, where the process of mark making feels almost meditative. You can almost touch the soft textures. The density of the graphite creates a tactile quality, as if we could reach out and feel the raised patterns of the bedspread. Look closely at one of the diamond shapes. The artist has painstakingly rendered the tiny details, capturing the subtle variations in the stitching. It's a testament to the artist's dedication and patience. This piece reminds me a little of the work of Agnes Martin, where repetition becomes a form of contemplation. Both artists invite us to slow down and appreciate the subtle nuances of their chosen medium, reminding us that art is often found in the quiet, repetitive acts of creation.