Artwork of the Week: Jan 12
Cottonwood trees grow fast and tall. They are often found by bodies of water, their sprawling branches used by wildlife for shelter and food. This rapid growth creates a soft, light wood that can dry and break easily in the wind and cold.
The clear lines and visual rhythm in Birger Sandzen’s woodcut print create an image of two Cottonwood trees, side by side, who are faring differently from each other at the side of a pond. One tree looks full, its form suggests long branches covered with leaves while the other leans away and bends over as if crowded and stunted. The sky in the background looks electric, amplifying the energy of this wood cut.
The artist, Sven Birger Sandzen, hailed from Sweden. He studied art in his homeland and then briefly in Paris before moving to the United States. In 1894 he moved to Kansas securing a job at Bethany College in Lindsborg. There he remained for the entirety of his career, becoming the principal art instructor for the college. He traveled extensively and developed a profound love for the nature and geography of the West. This deep appreciation was reflected in his numerous works of art.
