Staircase

Arthur Espenet Carpenter, Staircase, 1969, hyedua and oak, sight 19284 in. (487.7213.4 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of David L. Davies and Jack Weeden, 1998.15A-S

Artwork Details

Title
Staircase
Date
1969
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
sight 19284 in. (487.7213.4 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of David L. Davies and Jack Weeden
Mediums
Mediums Description
hyedua and oak
Classifications
Object Number
1998.15A-S

Artwork Description

This graceful structure by Arthur Espenet Carpenter comprises fourteen curved, interlocking steps radiating around a center post. As Carpenter intended, the intrinsic warmth of the wood and the organic forms encourage interaction along multiple fronts, including movement up and down the steps and pushing and pulling the propeller-like treads. It is a staircase for imagining: the spiral steps mimic curved forms of nature, pushing against the grain of right angles and square rooms.

This Present Moment: Crafting a Better World, 2022

Works by this artist (5 items)

Nancy Grossman, 5 Strap I, 1968, pen and ink on paper, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the Sara Roby Foundation, 1985.30.19, © 1968, Nancy Grossman
5 Strap I
Date1968
pen and ink on paper
Not on view
Nancy Grossman, T. C. As a Young Man, 1976, coated paper, masking tape, analine dyes, waterproof inks, and polymer glue on board, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the Sara Roby Foundation, 1985.30.21, © 1976, Nancy Grossman
T. C. As a Young Man
Date1976
coated paper, masking tape, analine dyes, waterproof inks, and polymer glue on board
Not on view
Nancy Grossman, Mare Imbrium, 1981-1982, paper, aniline dyes, ink, and graphite on board, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the Sara Roby Foundation, 1985.30.20, © 1982, Nancy Grossman
Mare Imbrium
Date1981-1982
paper, aniline dyes, ink, and graphite on board
Not on view
Nancy Grossman, Cob I, 1980, carved wood, leather, nails, paint, lacquered paint, horn, and lead, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the Sara Roby Foundation, 1986.6.38, © 1980, Nancy Grossman
Cob I
Date1980
carved wood, leather, nails, paint, lacquered paint, horn, and lead
Not on view

Exhibitions

Quilt featuring the portrait of a woman
This Present Moment: Crafting a Better World
May 13, 2022April 2, 2023
This Present Moment: Crafting a Better World showcases the dynamic landscape of American craft today.