Untitled

Michelle Holzapfel, Untitled, 1986, cherry burl, 9 ⁵⁄₈ x 11 ³⁄₄ in. diam. (24.6 x 29.9 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), 2003.60.19, © 1986, Michelle Holzapfel

Artwork Details

Title: Untitled
Artist: Michelle Holzapfel
Date: 1986
Location: Not on view
Dimensions: 9 ⁵⁄₈ x 11 ³⁄₄ in. diam. (24.6 x 29.9 cm)
Copyright: © 1986, Michelle Holzapfel
Credit Line: Gift of Fleur and Charles Bresler in honor of Kenneth R. Trapp, curator-in-charge of the Renwick Gallery (1995−−2003)
Mediums: cherry
Mediums Description: cherry burl
Classifications: Decorative Arts
Object Number: 2003.60.19
Linked Open Data: https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/2003.60.19

Artwork Description

Michelle Holzapfel harvests burls and other irregular pieces of wood around her home in Vermont and turns them on the lathe. She allows the shape and grain of the wood to influence her designs, and here the polished surface emphasizes the cracks and knotholes that make the wood appear as though it grew into this shape naturally. But the carved protrusions stand out from the surface like a line of bolts, reminding us that this vase was crafted by hand.