Louise Nevelson was born in Kyiv, Ukraine, in 1899. She emigrated with her family to Maine in 1905 and received her first art training at the Art Students League of New York in the 1930s. She worked in the Modern Art and Abstract Expressionism movements.

This artist was fascinated by the New York City skyline. She said the city was like one great big sculpture. This fascination and definition and her habit of collecting discarded things led to her iconic, monochromatic wood sculptures. Representing many of her installations, Sky Cathedral is an amalgam of found objects arranged by the eye of Nevelson and then transformed, as was her method, by a single color of paint. She felt this treatment brought highlights and shadows to her “walls.” Nevelson made great big art in appreciation of her city. This piece at the Moma measures 11’3” x 10’2.5”x18”.

Louise Nevelson was a pioneer as a female artist making way for so many behind her as she was ahead of her times in ignoring conventions and – not to be intended as tongue in cheek – in recycling for a purpose. We give thanks for her love of her urban surroundings and her taking risks to make from what she loved.

May our eyes and spirits be lifted in her honor and in gratitude to the God of all beauty and design. Thanks be to God.

In gratitude, faith and hope,