Doily c. 20th century

This handmade doily, of unknown date and maker, is a bit like a drawing, or a painting, but made with thread. Look at the way the artist has constructed the piece through a repetitive, almost meditative process. I’m really drawn to the texture here; the tiny perforations create a visual rhythm, a kind of dance between solid and void, light and shadow. It's easy to imagine the hours of labor involved, each stitch a tiny decision, a mark made in time. See how the central motif radiates outwards, expanding into these triangular forms like a sunburst. Each element is carefully connected, creating a delicate but strong structure. For me, looking at this piece brings to mind the work of artists like Agnes Martin or Eva Hesse, who also explored repetition, line, and materiality in their work. Like their pieces, this doily reminds us that art is not just about the final product but about the process, the journey, and the quiet, persistent act of creation.