Ecclesiastical Vestment c. 1939

Syrena Swanson's "Ecclesiastical Vestment", of which the date is unknown, is a beautiful piece; you can see the hand of the artist right there in every stitch. It’s all about the process. The vestment has these lovely floral patterns. Pink flowers, green leaves, set against a light background. It's all framed by this brown border that gives the whole thing structure. Swanson makes it clear that it’s the surface that matters. It's not just about the image, but the feeling of the fabric, the texture of the threads. It’s clear that this isn't just about making something pretty, it’s about engaging with the materials, the labor of making art. I am reminded of the quilts of Gee's Bend. Like those artists, Swanson takes something practical, a garment, and turns it into a work of art, full of expression, and totally unique. It embraces this idea that art isn't about perfection, it's about the beauty of imperfection, the story in the making.