Valance (Detail) c. 1941

Marion Gaylord made this fabric embroidery work, Valance (Detail), with thread. I imagine Marion sitting, maybe by a window with good light, carefully stitching these floral patterns onto the fabric. The lines are fluid and meandering, creating a sense of growth and organic movement. There's something so charming about how each flower is unique, a little wonky even. I wonder if she was inspired by the gardens around her home, or perhaps these were flowers she dreamed up herself? The texture created by the stitching gives the piece a tactile quality, like you could reach out and feel the raised threads. It reminds me of other textile artists like Anni Albers who explore line and form and use their craft to create something totally new. Marion’s hand is present here. It's a quiet, intimate conversation between artist and material, a testament to the enduring power of art.