Coverlet c. 1941

Byron Dingman, who lived from 1855 to 1955, made this ‘Coverlet’ with what looks like colored pencil or crayon on paper. It's a feast of repeated motifs in white against a solid red ground. It reminds me how the act of making art is like having a conversation, one mark responding to another. Look closely, and you’ll notice the delightful imperfections, the slight wobbles in the lines that give the piece its unique character. The image has a distinct texture, like looking at a woven tapestry where the threads create a raised surface. Notice the way he renders the feathers on the birds or the fur on the deer. The eagle with the banner, and the building in the lower-left corner, all have this wonderful, handmade quality. It reminds me of the work of Henri Rousseau. There’s a beautiful directness here, a sense of joy in the making that transcends any need for perfection. It is a vibrant, lively piece that makes you want to get up close and personal.