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, 2016.

Book of Grasses, 1994

Morse Clary
American (born 1939, died 2019)

Location: Tacoma Community College, Tacoma

About the Artwork

Book of Grasses is part of artist Morse Clary's series of sculptures based on the book form. This piece celebrates growth and renewal. Clary notes, "we are part of natural processes and the things we create, create further creations. Books create ideas for further books.” This book sculpture is made of lichen – a very durable, living, plant fiber – and it connects the nurturing power of nature to the way books plant ideas.

Clary uses the book as a sculptural symbol for many different ideas and themes. His goal with this series is "to present a 'text' of inter-related materials, textures, and forms which viewers can relate to, and which convey a sense of beauty and magic of this small planet we are a part of."

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Tacoma Community College.

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.