Study for a Border Design 1890 - 1897

This is Charles Sprague Pearce's 'Study for a Border Design,' made with watercolor and graphite on paper. Pearce’s choice of watercolor and graphite reflects a traditional fine art practice. However, it also acknowledges the material properties of paper. The weave of the paper provides the foundation for applying graphite and watercolor. The artist coaxes out the material's inherent qualities, creating different visual effects. It requires precision and control, which also dictates the aesthetic outcome. The design hints at the kind of skilled traditions that Pearce engaged with. These traditions belong to other histories of creative practices, sitting alongside that of craft and fine arts. Ultimately, appreciating 'Study for a Border Design' isn't just about aesthetics. It's also about understanding the labor, materials, and processes behind it. This helps to challenge traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.