Bedspread 1935 - 1942

Here we have Majel G. Claflin’s ‘Bedspread’ – an image that is simple, yet deeply evocative. Claflin lived and worked in a period of significant social change; she navigated the complexities of gender roles and artistic expression in the early 20th century. The artist was committed to making art accessible and useful to the masses. Claflin developed templates for domestic crafts and promoted the idea that “anyone can design.” 'Bedspread' offers a window into a space of personal creativity and domesticity. The flat planes of color and simplified forms create a dreamlike landscape, which includes an animal and a conifer. The inscription on the side of the image says, "While landscaped their places of work". I wonder if this is a comment on the artist's view of the natural world versus the constructed one. Claflin presents an alternative narrative of creation here, as she elevates women's craft to the level of fine art. Ultimately, 'Bedspread' is an invitation to consider how personal and societal values are reflected in the art we create and consume. It’s also a testament to the enduring power of art to express our innermost selves, in dialogue with the world around us.