Handwoven Coverlet c. 1937

This Handwoven Coverlet was made by Maud M. Holme, in what looks like some kind of dyed textile. The overall effect is soft, everything flowing together in a way that's both gentle and complex. What I find so interesting here is how the texture of the cloth interacts with the images. It's not just a flat surface for the design; it’s part of the whole experience. Look at the bird, how its form emerges from a mass of leaves and swirls. The dark brown lines used to define the eagle are striking. They have a real weight to them, and the repetitive strokes on the bird's wing make it feel solid and present, contrasting with the lighter floral patterns. It’s easy to see connections to the Arts and Crafts movement, in the repeating decorative patterns, but it also makes me think of someone like Ree Morton, in the way that Holme lets the material itself speak. There are no rules here, only possibilities.