Northwest Jeans, 1977
Margaret Ahrens Sahlstrand
(American, born 1939, died 2023)
Location: Governor John Rogers High School, Puyallup
ABOUT THE ARTWORK
Northwest Jeans is a cast paper print created by artist Margaret Ahrens Sahlstrand. She places wet paper pulp around a printing plate collaged with objects and uses a vacuum table to pull the pulp into the surface of the plate. This handmade paper artwork was formed from a pair of jeans and fern leaves. It is an unconventional, minimalist portrait made out of all natural, biodegradable materials.
This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Puyallup School District.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Margaret Ahrens Sahlstrand (1939-2023) was one of the main artists working with handmade paper in the Northwest. She often used organic objects and clothing in making her paper relief artworks. She notes, “My images come from my immediate environment which is rural. The objects, plants, and animals represented are important to me as strong visual images as well as for my own personal fondness for them. By interpreting my environment into paper form it may be enjoyed beyond its own life span.”
Sahlstrand grew up in Illinois. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Lindenwood College in Missouri, and a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Iowa. In 1965, she moved to Ellensburg, Central Washington, to join the Art Department at Central Washington State College, where she lived for the rest of her life. In 1981-82, she traveled and lived in Japan and Korea to study papermaking. Sahlstrand influenced several generations of students teaching papermaking and printmaking. She is Professor Emeritus at Central Washington University.
ARTWORK DETAILS
Medium | Cast paper (100% cotton fiber) |
Dimensions | 16 in x 20 in |
ID Number | WSAC1980.038.000 |
Acquisition Method | Direct purchase |
Artist Location | Washington, United States |
Location Information
Agency | Puyallup School District |
Artwork Location | Governor John Rogers High School Temporarily not on display. |
WA County | Pierce |
Placement | Interior |
Site Type | Public School |
Address | 12801 - 86th Ave. E. Puyallup, WA 98373 |
Geo. Coordinates | 47.138295, -122.312698 |
Before Visiting | Some artworks may be located in areas not accessible to the general public (especially in K-12 public schools). Consider contacting the site prior to a visit to ensure access. |
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