NATHAN JOHANSEN – PROVO, UT
“Cherry Bark Vessel”
Bronze
24” X 17” X 9”
$5,800
This piece captures the wonderful natural curling of bark as it separates from a dead limb or the trunk of a cherry tree. Even in this final cycle of a cherry tree’s life, the very forms of death provide the beautiful, graceful form that is “Cherry Bark Vessel.”
Maple Seed
Maple trees are common in Utah. Every year these trees produce thousands of winged seeds that develop and grow until they are ripe and ready to fly away from the mother tree in a “whirly-bird” flying fashion. These flying seeds seek space somewhere in the earth to grow, to propagate the maple tree. “Maple Seed” is a sculptural expression of one of these winged, flying seeds. The part that grows is facing down, seeking purchase in suitable soil. This part of the seed is depicted with a green patina color, suggesting the promise of life. The wing portion is abstractly deteriorating and changing, its job complete. This portion has changed to brown, earthy tones, as it returns to Mother Earth.
Meet the Artist
Nathan Johansen looks to nature for the forms he uses in his work. Plants with their seeds, in all their various stages of development, are rich in symbols and patterns that repeat in all life. His deep sensitivity to the natural world is embodied in his depictions of the cycles of plants and seeds and their relationship to mankind. A lifelong resident of Utah, Nathan graduated with a BA in Fine Art from BYU. Nate has worked in the Art Casting field for over 30 years, coordinating Fine Art Casting at Metal Arts Foundry in Lehi, UT.
Website johansenstudios.weebly.com
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