Tyler Coverlet 1935 - 1942

This 'Tyler Coverlet' was made by Arthur G. Merkley, although when exactly, we don’t know. What's really striking is the process, you can see every single stitch! It’s kind of amazing to think about the labor and time involved. The color palette is simple, just two tones, and the image is organized as a grid. What I love about this coverlet is the contrast between the geometric patterns and the organic forms of the trees. It's like Merkley is trying to reconcile the natural world with human-made structures, like that pixelated fence. It's a strange combination, but it works! There’s something about the handmade quality of this piece that makes me think of Gee’s Bend Quilts, those amazing, improvisational quilts made by African American women in Alabama. Both share this sense of resourcefulness and a real ingenuity when it comes to materials and design. They remind us that art can be found in the everyday.