Artwork copyright Michael Dal Cerro. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Bear Forest, 1993

Michael Dal Cerro
(American, born 1953)

Location: Sunrise Elementary School, Enumclaw

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

‘Bear Forest’ is a complex and detailed print by artist Michael Dal Cerro. The composition is part of a series of works that feature the landscape of Eastern Washington. This piece comments on the impact of deforestation and logging practices. The style is inspired by the active, fine lines and strokes that characterize paintings by the Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890). Dal Cerro notes that in his prints, "The forms in the landscape define the space, and light defines the forms… The forms of the landscape emerge out of the void as I cut the lines and marks. In a way woodcuts are drawing with light."

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

ABOUT THE ARTIST

New Jersey-based artist Michael Dal Cerro utilizes painting, printmaking and digital media to create elaborately imagined compositions. Interested in the invention of forms and visual language, his works play with conventional perspective and figuration. Dal Cerro lived in Seattle, Washington between 1988 and 1993. Many of his artworks from that period depict imagery of the Pacific Northwest. He received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Northern Illinois University in 1975.