Crewel Embroidery for Table 1941

This Crewel Embroidery for Table was made by Edith Magnette, who lived from 1855 until 1995. What a life! Looking at this piece I can almost feel Edith’s patient hand bringing this floral wreath to life stitch by stitch. It reminds me of when I’m working on a large canvas. It’s a slow build, a conversation between me and the work. The range of colors here is so gentle, like a faded memory. See how the texture of the embroidery thread catches the light, giving the piece a real sense of depth? You can almost smell the perfume of the flowers, the texture of the petals. There’s such a sense of care, of attention to detail, in each stitch. It makes me think about the long tradition of women’s work and the way in which everyday materials can be transformed into something beautiful and meaningful. We, as artists, are always in conversation, riffing off one another, and this piece makes me want to get back to my studio and see what new ideas might blossom on the canvas.