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The Enduring Cosmos
Hardcover. Pale tan and yellow decorated boards. 60 unnumbered pages. Variety of papers, some with deckle edges. Linoleum block illustrations, mostly of gnarled trees. *** Gwen Frostic (1906-2001) was a Michigan poet, book manufacturer, linoleum-block nature artist and papermaker who wrote, illustrated, printed and published 20 different titles which have been described as enchanting, delicate, breathtaking, and inspirational. This is one of her less common titles.
60 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1976
21 people want to read
About the author
Gwen Frostic
34 books36 followersSara Gwendolen Frostic
"was born in Sandusky, Michigan to Sara and Fred Frostic. When she was 8 months old she suffered from an unknown illness which left her with lifelong symptoms similar to cerebral palsy. Despite physical difficulties Frostic showed an early interest and aptitude for art. In June 1924 she graduated from Theodore Roosevelt High School in Wyandotte, where she was known for using a band saw to create event posters for her school. She continued her studies at Eastern Michigan University earning her teacher's certificate and gaining membership in Alpha Sigma Tau sorority. In 1926 she transferred to Western Michigan University and left in 1927 without completing her degree. She continued her artistic endeavors in metal and plastic, while occasionally teaching, but with the war came a lack of metal to work with and she turned to linoleum block carving. Frostic then turned her linoleum block carving into stationery goods and prints which led to her starting her own printing company, Presscraft Papers. In the early 1950s Frostic opened up a shop selling her prints, books, and other items in Frankfort and in 1960 she bought 40 acres (160,000 m2) of land in Benzonia with the intention of moving her and her shop. On April 26, 1964 her new shop was open for business and she lived there until her death in 2001." ~ wikipedia
"Over the years Gwen had been awarded honorary degrees from many colleges and universities. In 1978 Michigan Governor William Milliken proclaimed May 23rd as Gwen Frostic Day in Michigan, and in 1986 she was inducted into the Michigan Woman's Hall of Fame.
Long before her death she wrote her epitaph:
"Here lies one doubly blessed.
She was happy and she knew it."" ~ http://www.gwenfrostic.com/
"was born in Sandusky, Michigan to Sara and Fred Frostic. When she was 8 months old she suffered from an unknown illness which left her with lifelong symptoms similar to cerebral palsy. Despite physical difficulties Frostic showed an early interest and aptitude for art. In June 1924 she graduated from Theodore Roosevelt High School in Wyandotte, where she was known for using a band saw to create event posters for her school. She continued her studies at Eastern Michigan University earning her teacher's certificate and gaining membership in Alpha Sigma Tau sorority. In 1926 she transferred to Western Michigan University and left in 1927 without completing her degree. She continued her artistic endeavors in metal and plastic, while occasionally teaching, but with the war came a lack of metal to work with and she turned to linoleum block carving. Frostic then turned her linoleum block carving into stationery goods and prints which led to her starting her own printing company, Presscraft Papers. In the early 1950s Frostic opened up a shop selling her prints, books, and other items in Frankfort and in 1960 she bought 40 acres (160,000 m2) of land in Benzonia with the intention of moving her and her shop. On April 26, 1964 her new shop was open for business and she lived there until her death in 2001." ~ wikipedia
"Over the years Gwen had been awarded honorary degrees from many colleges and universities. In 1978 Michigan Governor William Milliken proclaimed May 23rd as Gwen Frostic Day in Michigan, and in 1986 she was inducted into the Michigan Woman's Hall of Fame.
Long before her death she wrote her epitaph:
"Here lies one doubly blessed.
She was happy and she knew it."" ~ http://www.gwenfrostic.com/
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
December 10, 2024
I wasn't sure how I felt about this book as I got into the first few pages. Gwen's books are normally filled with her artwork. Indeed, her block prints are what make her books. "The Enduring Cosmos" is different in that regard. There is art in it, mostly her magnificent trees, but there can be multiple pages in a row that are plain and filled with text, not a trace of illustration.
At first, I thought this would bother me, having grown used to --and loving--her usual style for her books. But I let myself sink into the words and let her lead me along. She had much to say in her meandering way.
Turns out, I really connected with her words, her ideas, her outlook. This book was published in 1976, but it feels so fitting for nowadays. Her words struck a chord many times as I read through the book.
This is very different from her other books that are so centered around her art, making it difficult to compare. For anyone pining for that connection to the natural world, she took the words right out of my mouth. There is a reassurance as well as reminders in this book that I didn't know I needed.
At first, I thought this would bother me, having grown used to --and loving--her usual style for her books. But I let myself sink into the words and let her lead me along. She had much to say in her meandering way.
Turns out, I really connected with her words, her ideas, her outlook. This book was published in 1976, but it feels so fitting for nowadays. Her words struck a chord many times as I read through the book.
This is very different from her other books that are so centered around her art, making it difficult to compare. For anyone pining for that connection to the natural world, she took the words right out of my mouth. There is a reassurance as well as reminders in this book that I didn't know I needed.
Displaying 1 of 1 review