Chartres Vases Quartet

Chartres Vases Quartet

Holzapfel, Michelle, 1951-

MH_091

1994

The Chartres Vases are a set of four which were turned and carved from four contiguous segments of the trunk of a massive walnut tree accidentally felled in nearby Westminster West, Vermont. This tree must have been a cathedral in itself. The vases represent a formal exercise in geometric division, and were inspired by the ornamental pedestal forms supporting the figures of saints that flank the Royal Portal of Chartres Cathedral. The most transcendent of Gothic Cathedrals, Chartres represents for me the state of mind of a culture in which the work of God and the work of the artisan approached a divine unity. Medieval artisans were accomplished geometers, and I had them, my forebears, in mind when making this piece. It is an expression of our shared love of sacred geometry.

American Black Walnut, 14 x 6 x 6 inches each.

Turning (Lathe work)

Wood sculpture, American

Women and the decorative arts

Carving (Decorative arts)

Women artists--United States

Art woodwork

Decoration and ornament, Architectural--France

Holzapfel, Michelle, 1951-

Studio Wood Art

1994

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MH_ 289 1994 Artist’s Statement/Inventory for Solo Show “Circling the Square”

wood

1994 Solo Show “Circling the Square” at the Peter Joseph Gallery, New York, NY.

Holzapfel, Michelle, 1951-