Henry Moore’s Inspiration from the Natural World

“Sculpture should always at first sight have some obscurities, and further meanings. People should want to go on looking and thinking; it should never tell all about itself immediately.” – Henry Moore, 1968

The impressive and seamless interaction of Henry Moore’s sculptures with the landscape of the Gardens gives the impression that Moore (1898-1986) had been working intently with form and landscape from the early days of his art career. However, it wasn’t until he was nearly 50 years old during the end of World War II that he began to focus on creating sculpture for landscape, and it wasn’t until he was well into his 60s that he began to reference natural objects in his sculpture work.

"Goslar Warrior" (LH 641, 1973-74) Reproduced by permission of the Henry Moore Foundation. Photo by Scott Dressel-Martin.

After losing his home and studio in London to damages from air raids, Moore and his wife moved to Perry Green at Hertfordshire in 1940. The lush rolling hills enveloped by the Chestnut and Beech trees became inspiration for Moore to focus on creating dialogue between sculpture and landscape and a source for working pure, organic forms into his work.

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Joellyn Duesberry’s New Show

Duesberry, Rock Fall, NM

I’ve just finished hanging an extraordinary show—Joellyn Duesberry’s Southwest: Sharpening the Edge.  I knew it was going to be a good show, but seeing it on the grand walls of the Gates Court Gallery, I realize it’s exceptional.

Joly’s work has an affiliation with the early Modernists who were living and working in Taos, like Walter Ufer, Victor Higgins and Nicolai Fechin. It’s a tradition that suits her. The brushstroke, the way she captures shadow and light, and the immediacy of the experience really draw you into the paintings.  You may even recognize a few of the scenes.

We took the title from a quote from the artist, “…working all over Montana, Wyoming, Utah, New Mexico, and Colorado sharpened my edges…”  You’ll have a chance to meet the artist at the opening reception on Thursday, January 28, 5:30-8 p.m.  Try to RSVP if you can — exhibits@botanicgardens.org.