The Goldmark Cultural Center’s Ruth Andres Gallery presents “The Crane Wife”, an exhibition of quilting work by Goldmark artist Lydia Reynolds. The exhibition is on display from 3/24 to 4/12.

About the Exhibition

The Crane Wife is depicted as she leaves because she has been drained—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—by the relentless pursuit of wealth.

As the story goes, once, long ago, a man saved the life of a wounded crane by pulling an arrow from her body. Unbeknownst to him, the crane assumed human form to become his wife. The wife loved her husband with all her body and soul. Wishing to make life easier for him, she secretly creates a gorgeous blanket from her own feathers.

Wrapped in the love of his wife, people soon impress upon the man that much merriment and wealth await him in the city if his wife were to create more blankets for which he would be handsomely paid. Lured by the promise of riches and pleasures, the simple-hearted man has forgotten the evils of human greed. He urges his devoted wife to construct more of the treasured items.

The wife continues to sacrifice her own well-being out of love, but when she realizes the man will never be satisfied, she understands that staying will only lead to her complete destruction.

Her departure symbolizes the loss of pure, selfless love when it is taken for granted and exploited. It also serves as a moment of reckoning for the man, who finally understands—too late—that his greed has cost him something far more valuable than riches.

About the Artist

Lydia Reynolds is a seasoned graphic designer and art director with 20 years of experience in the creative industry. Her recent quilting work blends a passion for storytelling with color, pattern, and texture through fabric. She is open to graphic design work and collaborations.