Shaker Kerchief c. 1937

Charles Goodwin made this drawing of a Shaker Kerchief, focusing on its intrinsic visual structure. The kerchief is rendered with careful attention to its grid-like pattern in muted blues and whites. Goodwin's choice of subject matter brings the functional and everyday into the realm of art. By focusing on the geometric simplicity of the kerchief, Goodwin directs our attention to the underlying order and structure of the object. The grid, a foundational element in much modernist art, becomes a framework for exploring the visual possibilities within a seemingly simple design. The regular intersections of lines create a sense of balance. The kerchief, with its humble design and practical use, invites us to reconsider the relationship between utility and aesthetics. The drawing highlights the beauty of functional objects, and points to a larger cultural discourse around simplicity and utility. The meaning of the artwork is not fixed; instead, it remains open to ongoing interpretation.