Quilted Bedspread c. 1936

This is Irene Schaefer's Quilted Bedspread, made with what looks like watercolour on paper. The blue decorative elements are very painterly, and the work comes across as a kind of textile swatch, a sample from a design portfolio. When I look at the image I think about the artist making the work, and how they must have used lots of water to get that soft effect. I notice the way the blue bleeds into the paper, creating a blurred effect. It reminds me of my own painting process. This work shows a traditional interest in rendering pattern, as did many folk artists and textile designers of her time. You can see the influence of traditional quilting and embroidery techniques in the intricate detail and symmetrical composition. But this piece also speaks to our current moment, as it challenges us to see the beauty and artistry in everyday objects and practices. We all learn from each other, don’t we?