Artwork copyright Robert Purser. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Robert Purser. Photo courtesy of the artist (detail).

29 Palms and 5 Fingers, 1991

Robert Purser
(American, born 1940, died 2009)

Location: Windsor Elementary, Spokane

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

29 Palms and 5 Fingers is a sculptural quilt created by artist Robert Purser. It is part of his body of whimsical quilt constructions created using sewn and airbrushed paper, found objects, and toys. He composed each quilt around a theme. The title of this piece is a pun based on the name of the city Twentynine Palms, located near Joshua Tree National Park in California. Seeking to explore color relationships and humor, Purser noted, "Those who live with my works tell me that they continue to see new things each time they look at them. I hope this piece will bring continuing delight to the viewers."

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

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Artist Robert Purser (1940-2009) explored many different materials and processes over his career as an artist and educator. He was known for his work in textiles and for architecturally driven, quilt-like sculptures made of found objects and sewn paper. Bellevue College (in Bellevue, Western Washington) hired him as their first art instructor, and he taught there for forty-four years.
Purser received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Central Washington University. After finishing his undergraduate degree, he served in the Peace Corps doing craft development work in Peru, South America. He then received a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Washington in Seattle in 1966. He received a PhD in architectural education from the University of Oregon in 1978.