To Bow and To Bend
Woodcut on Handmade Paper
Framed in a custom, handmade hardwood frame, made in Denver, CO
10” x 17” (print)
Edition of one
2025

(Click the images to see the full version)

In 2010, I made two sheets of very thick, handmade paper using natural plant fibers (mostly cotton). The two hand formed sheets had an arced shape and weightiness to them, that I felt called for a special print. Fifteen years later, while listening to the Shaker hymn, “Simple Gifts”, an image of a mountain bowing below a tree, bowing below a dandelion, bowing over all came into my mind. I realized I had finally settled on how to use my saved handmade paper, and I drew and carved a woodcut specially made to fit the paper.

The resulting print is a single deluxe, hand-drawn, hand-carved woodcut, hand printed on the artist’s original handmade paper. Only one print was made in the deluxe edition, and one artist’s proof that remains in the artist’s collection. Dark brown ink on tan handmade cotton paper. The handmade paper is about 1/4” inch thick, lending this print a weightiness and sculptural quality.

To Bow and To Bend was inspired by the Shaker Hymn, “Simple Gifts”. A mountain, bowed at its peak, is overshadowed by bending tree, all framed within the humble arc of a dandelion shedding the first of its petals. This meditation on humility and mutual Trinitarian honor and love is also an exploration of the self-sacrifice required in parenting, in which the largest being makes his or herself the smallest out of love.

Simple Gifts
Aaron Copland

‘Tis the gift to be simple, ’tis the gift to be free
’tis the gift to come down where you ought to be
And when we find ourselves in the place just right
‘Twill be in the valley of love and delight.

When true simplicity is gained
To bow and to bend we shan’t be ashamed
To turn, turn will be our delight
‘Till by turning, turning we come round right.

‘Tis the gift to be simple, ’tis the gift to be free
’tis the gift to come down where you ought to be
And when we find ourselves in the place just right
‘Twill be in the valley of love and delight.