Spinning Wheel 1935 - 1942

Clyde L. Cheney, who lived from 1855 to 1995, created this rendering of a spinning wheel with pencil and watercolor on paper. Although the image shows a domestic tool rather than an artwork, it offers a window into the intersection of craft, technology, and gendered labor. Spinning wheels like this one were once commonplace in households, enabling the transformation of raw fibers into yarn for weaving and sewing. The artist meticulously captures the wheel's intricate details, from the large drive wheel to the flyer and spindle, showcasing the mechanics of textile production. Before industrialization, spinning was a time-consuming, skilled task, predominantly performed by women. This image reminds us that craft activities were integral to domestic economies. By focusing our attention on the artistry of the spinning wheel, Cheney blurs the line between fine art and functional object, asking us to consider the labor and skill involved in textile production.