Doily c. 20th century

Here's an anonymous handmade doily somewhere in time, made with thread and a hook. Can you imagine the hours spent on this piece, the maker's thoughts swirling with each stitch? It's like a quiet conversation, a meditation in thread. I think about the texture, the way the thread loops and knots, creating a delicate but sturdy surface. The subtle pattern evokes a sense of nostalgia, the work of someone exploring ideas around the home, hearth, and comfort. It reminds me of Agnes Martin's grids but with a soft, intimate touch. And in a way, isn't every artist just picking up where someone else left off, each adding their own little knot to the grand, ongoing conversation? This doily embodies that spirit of connection and creative exchange.