Abstract Sculpture Two

Cecil C. Carstensen was born in Marquette, Kansas in 1906. In 1940, he moved to Kansas City with his wife Blanche and became a part of the art community. Carstensen primarily worked in wood carving, however, woodcut printmaking was another important medium. He taught wood sculpting at the Kansas City University and was President of MidAmerica Artists Association. He wrote "Craft and Creation of Wood Sculpting" in 1971. The Kansas City Public Library has four of Carstensen’s wood sculptures in their art collection. This sculpture is abstract in form with two primary pieces which connect in the center. The lower vertical piece acts as a base for the upper horizontal piece which is characteristic of the head of a woodpecker. The carving technique and form of this sculpture encourage the viewer to move around it and engage with the sculpture. Carstensen and Blanche’s woodcut prints were part of a Print Society of Great Kansas City Spotlight in 2013. The Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art in St. Joseph, MO has two woodcuts by Carstensen entitled "Family Unit."
Abstract Sculpture Two
Abstract Sculpture Two
Abstract Sculpture Two detail
Abstract Sculpture Two detail
Abstract Sculpture Two, artist's signature
Abstract Sculpture Two
Abstract Sculpture Two
Abstract Sculpture Two detail
Abstract Sculpture Two detail
Abstract Sculpture Two, artist's signature
Inventory
Collection Number
17384
Building
Current Location
Missouri Valley Room
Floor
5th
Description
Details
Created by Cecil C. Carstensen this abstract two-piece carved wooden sculpture is held together by two brass post-hole features.
Artist Dates
1906 -1991
Artist Nationality
American
Framed
No
Width
11 inches
Height
26 1/4 inches
Length
30 3/4 inches
Object Type
Permissions
Reproduce the Work in Library publications/publicity, including film or videotape
Yes
Reproduce
Library has Photography Rights
Yes
Photograph
Permit the general public to photograph the work
Yes
Slides/Video