Shaker Woman's Cloak c. 1936

Ingrid Selmer-Larsen made this "Shaker Woman's Cloak" with what looks like watercolor. There's a gentleness and an appreciation for the small details. You know, the Shakers were all about simplicity and utility, and Selmer-Larsen really captures that in this piece. The texture she creates with the paint gives the cloak a real sense of depth. You can almost feel the wool. I really get a feeling of warmth, like it would be really cozy to wear. Look closely at the way she's rendered the ribbon, how it catches the light, this is all about the artist's ability to render the physicality of the object, and make you believe in the three dimensions on a flat piece of paper. It reminds me of Agnes Martin's work, not in style, but in its quiet, meditative quality. It's a humble piece, but it speaks volumes about the beauty of simple things. Art doesn't have to shout to be heard, sometimes it whispers.