Beyond Time

by Gwen Frostic

Beyond Time is a beautifully illustrated book of poems about nature, self-published by famed artist and illustrator, Gwen Frostic. Adding even greater richness to the beauty of Gwen's poetry, she has illustrated each page of this book with drawings of plants, birds, animals, skies and landscapes. The title page has a richly-detailed embossed image of a peaceful lake. The fine artist paper pages are of different colors, and each has a dyed, rough-torn edge of red or green. The dark green endpapers each depicts a serene nature scene, as well. The hand-made look of the book is characteristic of Frostic's wide-ranging creativity. She was the owner and artist-in-residence of Presscraft Papers, an amazing art studio in Benzonia, MI. Frostic's artistic skills were valued by many during her life (1906-2001). Over the years Gwen was awarded honorary degrees from many colleges and universities, and in 1986 she was inducted into the Michigan Woman's Hall of Fame. Western Michigan University named its school of art after her in 2007, after her 13 million dollar bequest to the University. Remaining funds from the bequest have primarily been used for scholarships for students, and for the benefit of the arts and creative writing departments. Long before her death, Frostic wrote her "Here lies one doubly blessed.  She was happy and she knew it." That happiness is reflected on every page of "Beyond Time."

Genres: Poetry

60 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1971

About the author

Sara 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/

Reviews

[Paul Hankins · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite Frostic titles. This one with timeless verse reminding the reader "man" of himself and of his relationship to nature, to self, and to others in community. A free verse love letter to the notion of coming back to terms with who man is and of what he is capable should he come back to connecting his gifts with the ebb and flow of nature.

[Delaney · Rating 3 out of 5]

such a underrated gem. the illustrations were SO stunning

[Julian S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good book to read in the bath. It was a series of loosely connected free verse pieces, with lots of Frostic's lovely woodcut art related to the text it was near. I stopped and stared at a couple of the trees, and the image of falling rain had a fun surprise when I looked more closely. I was pleased to see several Michigan wild plants I remember from my youth. There were also many different types and textures of paper, which added to the immersive experience. The theme is, generally speaking, about how nature has seasons and cycles and how humankind should strive to be in harmony with them.

[Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, mesmerizing words, writing in love and appreciation of nature.
I've reread often over the years.

[Brooke]

So fun actually
I want to rip out every page of this book and tape them all to my wall

[Veronica Scott · Rating 2 out of 5]

I bought it from a used bookstore because the illustrations and paper were unique, but the free verse definitely isn't for me. It's a little too loosy-goosey crunchy.

[Ace · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is literal art

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stunning, exquisite book of short poems filled with gorgeous illustrations and written Beautifully. The book itself looks handmade, its one of a kind. 💛

[Maddy Hodson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a work of art. Every page is just as well thought out at the poems are. I’m not a huge fan of poetry about nature but this was beautiful and I really think it’s something that everyone should read.

[Ash Reads Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful naturalist poetry with roots in the hippie movement. At times, the poems can get a bit repetitive (Frostic kinda hits you over the head with the theme of "WE NEED TO SAVE THE PLANET NOW") but it's to be expected from a hand-printed environmentalist poetry book published in 1970.

[London Ridenour · Rating 5 out of 5]

This uncommon book is a lovely work of art, with exceptional woodcut prints all throughout, alongside brief but effective poetry and mixed philosophy.
It is hard to tell what takes the spotlight, as even the paper is handmade, each page a different tone and texture than the last; the raw edges tempting you to turn yet another page.
The poetry captures nature with extraordinary talent, and dabbles in several, sometimes opposing, philosophies. Frostic's views on nature feel honest, determined, and urgent. The artist and poet herself appeals to the reader as a true individual and true lover of the natural world. One can imagine her much like the "lone tree" she describes. Her opinions on life and nature are strong and resilient, stretching "beyond time" as a unique legacy.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a work of art. The title page is embossed with a beautiful scenic circle and the pages are filled with beautiful artwork on handmade papers. The torn edges of the papers are inked in fall colors. Some pages just have a small image of a bug or group of mushrooms in one corner but the artwork so delicate that it is enough.

The words, which are more free verse than poetry, are messages about life - the circle of life - and appreciating and preserving it.

[Shoshanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful. Beautiful prints and beautiful poetry about living in harmony with nature!