Augusta Savage: The Shape of a Sculptor's Life

by Marilyn Nelson, Tammi Lawson (Afterword)

A powerful biography in poems​ about a trailblazing artist and a pillar of the Harlem Renaissance—with an afterword by the curator of the Art & Artifacts Division of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.

Augusta Savage was arguably the most influential American artist of the 1930s. A gifted sculptor, Savage was commissioned to create a portrait bust of W.E.B. Du Bois for the New York Public Library. She flourished during the Harlem Renaissance, and became a teacher to an entire generation of African American artists, including Jacob Lawrence, and would go on to be nationally recognized as one of the featured artists at the 1939 World’s Fair. She was the first-ever recorded Black gallerist. After being denied an artists’ fellowship abroad on the basis of race, Augusta Savage worked to advance equal rights in the arts. And yet popular history has forgotten her name. Deftly written and brimming with photographs of Savage’s stunning sculpture, this is an important portrait of an exceptional artist who, despite the limitations she faced, was compelled to forge a life through art and creativity.

Genres: Poetry, Nonfiction, Biography, Art, History, Middle Grade, Historical

128 pages, Hardcover

Published January 25, 2022

About the author

Marilyn Nelson is the author of many acclaimed books for young people and adults, including CARVER: A LIFE IN POEMS, a Newbery Honor Book and Coretta Scott King Honor Book, and A WREATH FOR EMMETT TILL, a Printz Honor Book and Coretta Scott King Honor Book. She also translated THE LADDER, a picture book by Halfdan Rasmussen. She lives in East Haddam, Connecticut.

For more information, please see http://www.answers.com/topic/marilyn-...

Reviews

[Kim Tyo-Dickerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding bio in verse where concrete poems based on Savage's sculptures bring a tactile connection to her work as a major Harlem Renaissance artist, teacher, and innovator.

Highly recommended for readers 13 and up.

[Anne Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Astonishingly good poetry about this almost forgotten artist from the Harlem Renaissance. I am so-o glad I read this book and hope you will, too. Make sure your public library gets a copy of it and tell all your friends to read it!

My review of this and three other books which I recommend to increase your understanding of Black Lives Matter: https://headfullofbooks.blogspot.com/...

[maria. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to Hachette Audio for sending me an audiobook copy in exchange for an honest review.

2,5 stars.

The idea of writing a biography in verse is definitely interesting, but I don't think it worked for me. I also unfortunately didn't love the narration of the audiobook. Regardless, it was interesting to learn about Augusta's life.

[Mary Hines · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poet Marilyn Nelson applied her compassionate imagination, research skills, and brilliant craft in creating her new book, “Augusta Savage: The Shape of a Sculptor’s Life.” Kirkus described Nelson’s book as a lyrical biography in which “a renowned poet brings a Harlem Renaissance artist’s story to life.” It is that—and more.

First, the book’s historical context is important. The “Afterword” by Tammi Lawson illuminated it well. Augusta Savage, was a Black woman born in Florida in 1892 to parents born into slavery; who was married three times and widowed twice; who was part of the Great Migration; who was active in the Harlem Renaissance; who was an important artist of the 20th century and who has been largely forgotten.

Nelson’s poems bring Savage to life. She wrote most of them in the artist’s voice, and did it so skillfully, that I often forgot it was Nelson writing! Many poems were accompanied by photographs of Savage’s sculptures. Fittingly, some poems were concrete. These were so well done, and so well suited to the subject, that even people who don’t usually like concrete poetry will enjoy them.

For example, “Boy with Rabbit,” is in the shape of a rabbit. The poem described a mother bathing her small boy, taking him from the tub, watching him feed a bunny in the yard. The bunny became a metaphor for the boy and his “inherited nightmares, both awake and asleep.” And from there the speaker described sculpting him:

“…My iron/support holds him secure as love now, plumb from jugular notch to/the inner left ankle, clay packed onto spine, thorax, pelvis… The amazing/curves and planes of human anatomy. How can humans not recognize our universal beauty? / The external oblique muscles, great latissimus, sartorius, the spiraling formations, the rhythm of the human shape...”

The final section of the book covered the last twenty years of Savage’s life. Many poems in this section were introspective. The one concrete poem here was titled “I Don’t Know” and it explored her changed approach to art:

“…I know what I’m on earth to do. But I’m tired of/ carrying Truth around like a marble block. I’m sick of meaning. I want/to have fun while I can. To play. To create free sculptures that make people/smile, leave ‘em laughing. Sculptures of what? I don’t know: penguins?”

And with this poem, in the shape of a penguin, Nelson gives us Augusta Savage in all her playfulness, wistfulness, and wisdom.

[thtBlkLibrarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

First Impression: First time reading a bio in poems like this

I studied fine art & art history for 5 years and I’ve never heard of Augusta Savage. So the story goes for countless Black women throughout history. This was a beautiful biography in prose; sometimes painful & hard to read but very honest. I’m so grateful we are filling in the gaps for these important figures. We learn about how she applied and was accepted for a summer art program in France. However upon finding out that she was Black, the US selection committee rescinded the acceptance, because they thought the white Americans would be uncomfortable working with a Black woman. We learned about this insane man Gould who harassed her so much that it seemingly forced her into seclusion outside of Harlem where she was renowned for her artwork. Due to her not being able to afford Bronze a lot of her work wasn’t cast and was lost. The work we still have shows a natural talent of someone who desperately wanted to see herself and her community in something more permanent than flesh.

This book is important as it expresses what life was like for a Black Woman artist during this time period. How so many anonymous and unknown artists were women who someone decided didn’t matter so their stories are somewhat lost.

[C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book Augusta Savage was whimsical, breathtaking, and a fantastic experience. I've never heard of this author, but I can tell you she is spectacular. This book read like part memoir, poetry collection, and pivotal journal. And I was fully engaged throughout this amazing ride.

I wasn't sure what genre of prose was coming next, but I knew the writing would be beautiful and paint vivid scenes in my mind. The author illustrated numerous emotions, events, and blended the project like a masterful artist. A couple of times, it felt unclear, and the trauma was palpable. Then I thought perhaps she was creating a mental struggle on the page or displaying a personality disorder. I followed the next piece, and I realized that's the author’s objective in choosing these choice morsels of wisdom.

This book challenges you to step away from normal expectations and to open your mind to a unique journey you cannot begin to imagine. Augusta Salvage is an outstanding book. I highly recommend it, and I will be placing it on my rereading shelf.

[Tori Rumschlag · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book of moving and thoughtfully-constructed poetry. Truthfully, I did not know about Augusta Savage before reading this book, so this book was not only entertaining but also educational and edifying. I appreciate the photographs of Savage and her artwork throughout the story. It was lovely to hear all of the ways that she inspired other artists, who carried on her teachings in their own works; this is at least a little solace for her own fade from collective memory. I think the book presents some interesting insights into what a Black female artist of this time would have experienced and thought; however, in many places the author uses colorful language or espouses controversial thoughts about religion, family, success, and defeatism that makes me wonder if it's a realistic reflection of the subject or the author's own thoughts. My favorite poem is "Awake," which is only three lines: "Suddenly I woke in the midst of life/ aware suddenly of the misseds of life/ who disappeared into the mists of life" (p. 94). Simply beautiful.

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, maybe 4. I just wish the biography of her that is at the end had come first, mostly because I felt disconnected from the poems because I was unaware of the details of her story (even though the poems were beautiful). I've never seen a biography written like this and it's really a neat concept. It definitely embraces the artistic nature of Augusta herself. I did find some of the changes in voice or perspective confusing because I wasn't always sure who the voice was meant to be, Augusta, the poet (Marilyn), or someone else? The story about the man who was harassing her is very interesting and, honestly, very scary, but I felt like the segment in this book didn't really make it clear what was happening there or who the man was and I ended up googling more information. These are some of the reasons I wish that the more traditional biography came first.

[Greg Masters · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book of poems by Marilyn Nelson chronicles an African-American sculptor’s life in verse - from brutality as a child in the south, through the Harlem Renaissance (she had a sculpture at the 1939 World’s Fair), then senior years in Saugerties, NY. But, while presenting the facts of this extraordinary woman's struggles and achievements, through immediate language, often spoken dialect, the poems immerse us in the times and the communities, offering intimate acquaintance. Through the disappointments and obstacles, what emerges is a woman of character and substance who fought her entire life for her belief in art as empowering, both for herself as an individual and as a participant in a community. We as readers are lifted.

[Brooke - TheBrookeList · Rating 2 out of 5]

As far as a biography in verse goes, Augusta Savage: The Shape of a Sculptor's Life, was well done. It provides a memorable look at the complicated and challenging trajectory of an artist and sculptor, battling for her place in an unfair world. The poetry added additional depth and emotion to complement the sculpted works, depicted in faded images. The poetry describing Ms Savage's life lends understanding to her struggle and humanity to her journey. A lovely remembrance for a woman who yearned in ways so many of us can relate to.

Read as a nomination in the non-fiction book award category as a panelist for Children's and Young Adult Bloggers' Literary Awards (Cybils Awards). It was later moved to the Novels in Verse category, but I'd already read it :)

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

More press please! I didn't know anything about Augusta Savage, now I want her to be my spirit animal. To have the verse biography written in this way and then add in the images of her sculpture and artwork was a tremendous opportunity for another audience (teens) to know someone who persevered and whose talent deserves accolades and recognition while explaining the story of African Americans in history, particularly during the Harlem Renaissance.

The Harp-- oh, The Harp! And her quote "I have created nothing really beautiful, really lasting, but if I can inspire one of these youngsters to develop the talent I know they possess, then my monument will be in their work." <3 <3

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I heard a wonderful presentation with the Poetry for All podcasters (Abram Van Engen and Joanne Diaz) interviewing Marilyn Nelson at one of the Calvin College January Series presentations. I found this book at Better World Books. It was a lovely read with poems featuring Savage's life and works. There were several photos of the works and of places in her life. Some of the poems were shape poems. Savage was an amazing woman and so is Nelson!

[Hannah]

idk. There are some killer poems in here that stand alone, but in general I felt like this was rather muddy with how often it changed voices and just kind of....not the best way to share the life of this particular interesting person? Especially all the weird shit with the eugenics guy who is obsessed with her? Or something? Just...not the right form for this subject.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I heard the author speak at a biographers conference last week and was so taken by her talk that I ordered this book to read more. I love how poetry, photography, and longer narratives combine to tell a well-rounded story of an influential sculptor from the Harlem Renaissance. It’s marketed as a young adult book, but it’s great for adults, too.

[Katrina · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fascinating and talented woman! I loved the art showcased in this book. Some of the poems I found very effective, but more often than not I was frustrated by voice changes, time skips, and general vagueness. There was a lot to unpack, but I'm glad I read it and I'd like to learn more about her life and work.

[Mya Matteo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first "poetic biography" I've read—and it was very interesting! Turns what is often a factual medium into poetic one, focusing on the emotional truths of a historical figure rather than straight facts. Really interesting concept—I'll be on the lookout for more.

[BiblioBrandie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved learning about Augusta Savage, loved her artwork sprinkled throughout, I'm just not sure if this was the best way to share the story of her life. An afterword by Tammi Lawson, curator at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, provides more context and biographical information.

[C Heaslip · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written verse biography of a Harlem Renaissance artist that many may not have heard of. Her incredible talent faced both limited opportunities and roadblocks due to racism. Only 100 pages, but not as easy a read as some of our verse novels.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

A biography in poems seems appropriate for a creative woman. B&W photos of several of her creations and of her were helpful. I wasn't certain that the first person poems could always be true to Savage's feelings. The 8-page afterword was helpful in that regard.

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of course there are many artists from the Harlem Renaissance that we don’t know much about because their stories were not ultimately as conventional as other more famous artists. But Nelson has written this biography in verse about Augusta Savage and we are all the better for it.

[Christiana Doucette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read the author's biography-in-verse of George Washington Carver, I knew this would be good. But I was still blown away by the beauty of the verse, and the resilience of the artist. Well worth reading.

[Brooke Nadzam · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was okay. This was a book of poetry on the life of Augusta Savage. It also included examples of her work.

I found myself struggling to get the story of Savage from the poems. I felt the poet was good, but the poetic form didn’t work for me with my want to know Savage’s story.

[Cherese · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me slow down and really take in a life. I didn't know anything about Augusta before reading this. The poetic prose describing her life, people she encountered and situations were very thoughtful.

[JL Salty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: pg for life experience of a black woman born in 1892. No profanity (“censored”) (literally)
Recommend: artists. Biography readers.

Loved this book. Beautiful words. Beautiful sculpture. New learning

[Karen Hatch · Rating 3 out of 5]

I must admit that I have always had a hard time reading poetry.
This book was beautifully, telling her life story using poetry. Fortunately for me the afterword at the back went through her life story. It was very interesting.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Goodreads reviewer, Aimee, said exactly what I was thinking;
“I just wish the biography of her that is at the end had come first, mostly because I felt disconnected from the poems because I was unaware of the details of her story (even though the poems were beautiful).”

[Kip · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful poetry--really informative about Augusta and her life!

[adele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poetry format biography. Greta poems. Wish there were more pictures of Savage's sculptures.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the setup and story but I was very confused - who wrote the poems?

[Sam Bloom · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars