Quilt Swatches c. 1938

John Osbold created these watercolor studies of quilt swatches, with no known date, using watercolor on paper. The artist’s choice of watercolor invites us to reflect on the relationship between the original textile swatches and their representation. The painted image captures the tactile qualities of the fabric, but it is not the same. It highlights the inherent tension between the handmade and its artistic interpretation, and draws attention to the domestic craft traditions involved in quilt-making. Each swatch is meticulously rendered, with careful attention to color and pattern. The arrangement of the swatches on the paper emphasizes their individual characteristics. By isolating these quilt components, Osbold elevates them to the status of fine art, inviting us to consider the artistic merit of everyday objects. Osbold blurs the boundaries between art and craft, challenging conventional hierarchies. He encourages us to recognize the creativity and skill inherent in what might otherwise be seen as purely utilitarian items.