Desert Rose

Media - 2003.60.14 - SAAM-2003.60.14_1 - 60631
Copied Ron Fleming, Desert Rose, 1996, madrone burl, 7 1⁄8 x 6 3⁄4 x 6 3⁄4 in. diam. (18.1 x 17.1 x 17.2 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Fleur and Charles Bresler in honor of Kenneth R. Trapp, curator-in-charge of the Renwick Gallery (1995−−2003), 2003.60.14

Artwork Details

Title
Desert Rose
Artist
Date
1996
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
7 1⁄8 x 6 3⁄4 x 6 3⁄4 in. diam. (18.1 x 17.1 x 17.2 cm)
Markings
underside of base, lower half, signed in black ink (faded): Ron Fleming
Credit Line
Gift of Fleur and Charles Bresler in honor of Kenneth R. Trapp, curator-in-charge of the Renwick Gallery (1995−−2003)
Mediums
Mediums Description
madrone burl
Classifications
Keywords
  • Object — flower — rose
Object Number
2003.60.14
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/2003.60.14

Artwork Description

Ron Fleming turns and hollows his shapes and then draws directly onto the wood, using the color and movement of the grain to guide his design. Balance is important, and Fleming walks around his sculptures several times, making small changes to ensure the composition works from every angle. His detailed pieces balance the fragility of petals and leaves with the strength and durability of wood.

Luce Object Quote
"When I did illustrations of flowers, I started to see vessel forms within them, and I realized that the turnings could provide a great canvas for turning these forms." Ron Fleming, Fine Woodworking, 1993