Artwork copyright Morse Clary. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Morse Clary. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Artwork copyright Morse Clary. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Artwork copyright Morse Clary. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Geography III: Secret Places, 1995

Morse Clary
American (born 1939, died 2019)

Location: Davis High School, Yakima

About the Artwork

Artist Morse Clary created Geography III: Secret Places as part of a body of work dedicated to investigating the book as a sculptural metaphor. This artwork represents land and mountains using textured lead. The form and materials suggest personal memories and explore feelings of "sadness about our ambivalent attitudes toward our planet and its treasures." Clary also notes, "This investigation has led me to explore my love of books, and the magical and mystical properties I have always thought them to have."

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Yakima School District.

About the Artist

Clary grew up in Nebraska and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in art at Nebraska State College in Chadron. He was stationed in Germany with the U.S. Army from 1962 to 1965. After that, he earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in sculpture at the University of Idaho. He worked as a professional artist for over 50 years and taught art at the college level in Nebraska, Ohio, Idaho, and Washington, including at Columbia Basin College in Pasco, Southeastern Washington for 25 years.