Frances McDormand's latest creative venture may seem far removed from her Oscar-winning performances, but the actress-turned-participant says that her adult-sized cradle art project is all about embracing simplicity and end-of-life care.
Speaking to journalist Bocanegra at the exhibition, Cradled, in Los Angeles, McDormand clarifies what sets this piece apart: "It's not performative; it's more experiential." Unlike traditional exhibitions where performances take center stage, Cradled invites visitors to slow down and contemplate. The show features four Shaker cradles on loan from museums across the US, paired with rocking chairs and woven baskets filled with projects for visitors to mend.
For McDormand, who has played complex female characters in films like Fargo and Nomadland, this latest project was a chance to tap into her fascination with the Shakers' community-driven ethos. "I was drawn to the adult-sized cradles because it was something that was provocative in its size and use for the infirm and elderly," she explains.
In an era where our lives are increasingly cluttered, McDormand sees the Cradled exhibition as a timely reminder of the Shakers' philosophy: 'Hands to work, hearts to God.' This emphasis on simplicity and focus has resonance beyond the Shaker community. "Simplifying your life is not just about getting rid of stuff," says Jerry Grant, director of library and collections at the Shaker Museum. "It's about what's inside – a singleness of heart."
The exhibition, which runs until January 4th, is an immersive environment that invites visitors to slow down and engage with the pieces on their own terms. Bocanegra hopes that people will feel comfortable sitting with the cradles, allowing themselves time to contemplate and reflect.
Ultimately, Cradled is not about performance or showmanship but about embracing a more mindful way of living – one that values simplicity, community, and end-of-life care. For McDormand, it's an opportunity to explore her creative interests outside the realm of performance. "We're Shaker-adjacent," she says with a smile. "We haven't fully immersed ourselves in their theology, but we've certainly adopted their ethos and spirit."
Speaking to journalist Bocanegra at the exhibition, Cradled, in Los Angeles, McDormand clarifies what sets this piece apart: "It's not performative; it's more experiential." Unlike traditional exhibitions where performances take center stage, Cradled invites visitors to slow down and contemplate. The show features four Shaker cradles on loan from museums across the US, paired with rocking chairs and woven baskets filled with projects for visitors to mend.
For McDormand, who has played complex female characters in films like Fargo and Nomadland, this latest project was a chance to tap into her fascination with the Shakers' community-driven ethos. "I was drawn to the adult-sized cradles because it was something that was provocative in its size and use for the infirm and elderly," she explains.
In an era where our lives are increasingly cluttered, McDormand sees the Cradled exhibition as a timely reminder of the Shakers' philosophy: 'Hands to work, hearts to God.' This emphasis on simplicity and focus has resonance beyond the Shaker community. "Simplifying your life is not just about getting rid of stuff," says Jerry Grant, director of library and collections at the Shaker Museum. "It's about what's inside – a singleness of heart."
The exhibition, which runs until January 4th, is an immersive environment that invites visitors to slow down and engage with the pieces on their own terms. Bocanegra hopes that people will feel comfortable sitting with the cradles, allowing themselves time to contemplate and reflect.
Ultimately, Cradled is not about performance or showmanship but about embracing a more mindful way of living – one that values simplicity, community, and end-of-life care. For McDormand, it's an opportunity to explore her creative interests outside the realm of performance. "We're Shaker-adjacent," she says with a smile. "We haven't fully immersed ourselves in their theology, but we've certainly adopted their ethos and spirit."
It feels like we're stuck in some kinda therapy session or somethin', where we gotta slow down and contemplate. Can't we just have a nice, comfy spot to sit and enjoy the art without all that deep stuff? And what's with the "Hands to work, hearts to God" shtick? Is it supposed to be some kinda spiritual thing now? No thanks... just give me the art and leave the philosophy at home 
It's like a reminder that sometimes less is more.
. And Jerry Grant's quote 'Simplifying your life is not just about getting rid of stuff...' really resonates with me 
It's so easy to get caught up in clutter and chaos, but this exhibition is a breath of fresh air.
I'm totally sold on Cradled - I'd love to experience it for myself. Let's hope people do take the time to slow down and appreciate this beautiful exhibition! 
. I mean, who wouldn't want to slow down and contemplate surrounded by Shaker cradles and rocking chairs? It's like she took all the clutter out of her life (literally!) and created a peaceful oasis in LA 
. I'm also kinda loving the simplicity of it all - no flash, just gentle vibes and end-of-life care 
. McDormand's trying to tell us that sometimes less is more, and I'm here for it 
.
. The fact that she's curating an exhibition around these beautiful Shaker cradles is genius – it's all about slowing down and being present with each other... and ourselves 
. And I'm totally on board with the idea of mending projects together – like, who doesn't love a good DIY session? 
It's like she's saying, let's not just focus on getting rid of stuff, but on what's inside that makes us human 
. Can't wait to check out this exhibition and soak up some of that Shaker vibe 
!
And what's up with the Shaker community-driven ethos? Did they really have this "Hands to work, hearts to God" thing down pat back in the day or was that just some marketing spin? 
I need to see some actual evidence before I start singing the praises of McDormand's latest project... 
. Frances McDormand's latest art project is just another way for her to cash in on being "artsy". I mean, an exhibition about cradles? How original can you get? It's all about creating a buzz and making people feel uncomfortable with their own cluttered lives. She's not really trying to spark any real change or conversation, she's just using this as an excuse to show off her hippie vibes 
Frances McDormand is like, totally speaking my language with this one. I mean, who needs all that flashy stuff when you can just sit back, relax, and enjoy the simplicity of life? It's like, she's tapped into something deep and meaningful here. And I love how she's used these cradles as a way to explore her fascination with the Shakers' community-driven ethos - it's so inspiring! 
I'm def gonna have to check this out ASAP...