Embroidery 1935 - 1942

This embroidered piece, by Martha Elliot, made sometime in the 20th century, is really all about touch and texture. Look at how the stitches build up, like little dashes of paint, to create these delicate floral patterns. The fabric has a subtle sheen, and the threads catch the light in different ways depending on how they're angled. The colours are muted, almost faded, which gives it a kind of ghostly, antique feel. Notice, in particular, the way the leaves are rendered. See how the stitches follow the curve of the leaf, giving it a sense of volume and depth? It reminds me a little of those late paintings by Guston – that same sense of raw, handmade honesty. Ultimately, this piece invites us to slow down, to look closely, and to appreciate the simple beauty of a handmade object.