Beaded Pin Cushion 1937

J. Howard Iams created this ‘Beaded Pin Cushion’ in 1937 using an unknown medium on paper. The image gives the impression of being soft and tactile, yet simultaneously fixed in its presentation, which is a strange and exciting duality. It is interesting to think about this piece as a kind of map. The tiny seed beads work as a miniature mosaic, forming a system of representation that comes together to create the images of flowers and leaves on this small, decorative domestic object. I am intrigued by the individual, handmade quality of this image. The variations in color and texture, for me, evoke the feeling of a pixelated computer image. If you look closely at the edge of one of the flowers, you can see where the individual beads stand out. This reminds me of the work of Ree Morton, who was interested in the ways that art could be both decorative and meaningful, elevating the status of craft to that of fine art. Ultimately, the pin cushion presents us with a fascinating, layered viewing experience, inviting a myriad of interpretations.