Staff Picks: Brad Hawse's CAM Favorites
Get to know our museum staff through the art they love. In this series, staff select their favorite artworks and explain what draws them toward these works.
Bridal Veil Falls, Yosemite Valley, California (1871 - 1873) by Albert Bierstadt (American, b.1830, d.1902)Cincinnati Art Museum
Every visitor has a favorite Cincinnati Art Museum artwork. The same is true of museum staff. From in-depth analyses to playful interpretations, this series highlights the diverse personalities that make up the museum’s staff.
This month, Brad Hawse, Associate Director of Development, Individual and Planned Giving, has picked his five favorite pieces.
Portrait of a Tree (1924) by Maxfield ParrishCincinnati Art Museum
Cheeky tree
This painting has always been one of my favorites here at the museum, even if it is not currently hanging in a gallery. Titling this as a “portrait of a tree” always seemed a little cheeky to me, but also perfectly describes the piece and it's focus. The tree is not perfectly symmetrical or surrounded by striking scenery, it is merely an old tree so deftly rendered that you feel you could be there, the sun high in the sky without a cloud to be seen, urging me to come under and be protected from the sun by its low branches. I enjoy this piece because it shows the beauty of the mundane, of a tree that has stood in the same place as the world around it inevitably changes.
Not currently on view.
Seated Dress with Impression of Drapery (2005) by Karen LaMonteCincinnati Art Museum
Disembodied
Under the beautifully folded fabric of her dress you can see the void left by the woman posing for this sculpture. The sculpture appears to float, almost ghostly as you notice what is visible, but inevitably I am most interested in the “body” that is absent. I love this piece because it has the ability to appear cold or warm depending on the light that shines on it. If you are lucky enough to be in the gallery when the sun is low and hitting the piece just right, it will glow bright orange, instead of the normal hues of blue. Its ability to change, depending on the day and time of year, makes it a work to discover over and over again.
Currently on view in G126.
Bedstead (1882 - 1883) by Benn Pitman (American, b.1822, d.1910)Cincinnati Art Museum
Excellence among excellence
Every time I walk by this ambitious piece of woodcarving, I am taken aback by its intricate detailing. In a room filled with beautifully carved wood furniture, this sticks out, as I am sure it was meant to at its inception, for the deep relief of its carvings. Beautifully decorated with Hydrangeas, azaleas and other flowers, along with swallows fluttering over you as you sleep, it is easy to imagine daydreaming about nature’s beauty as you fall asleep for your afternoon nap.
Currently on view in G111.
Industry Protecting Art and Music (1930) by Clement J. Barnhorn (American, b.1857, d.1935)Cincinnati Art Museum
The power of philanthropy
This Life-sized sculpture is one that speaks directly to my work here at the museum and the power of philanthropy. Showing the importance that the industrial might of our city and our nation should be used towards our greatest possible creative pursuits in the arts. The sculptor used children to represent the artists and musicians, recognizing the need for support in the early stage of an artist’s life in order to have the support and opportunity to find their love of art. This sculpture gives me a sense of pride for the work we accomplish at the museum and thankful that we have a generous community who support those efforts.
Currently on view in G116.
Bridal Veil Falls, Yosemite Valley, California (1871 - 1873) by Albert Bierstadt (American, b.1830, d.1902)Cincinnati Art Museum
The power of art
Being an Artist/Explorer like Albert Bierstadt would have been the job I would have wanted in the 19th century. The American West was still untamed and artists such as Bierstadt and Moran, helped Americans visualize the awe-inspiring beauty of places that most would never be able to travel to in their lifetime. Their paintings and sketches became fuel for a political movement that conserved wide swaths of land as our national parks and forests that can still be enjoyed today as our last vestiges of true wilderness in the country. This piece reminds me of the beauty of nature, and the importance of protecting it, but also asks me to ponder the power that art can have to change the world for the better.
Currently on view in G217.
Brad is the Associate Director of Development, Individual and Planned Giving. He has been at the Cincinnati Art Museum nearly three years and works with individual donors who support all that the museum accomplishes today and donors who want to support the museum in the future. He is an avid outdoors-man who loves to hike, backpack and explore our national parks and forests. He lives in Clifton with his husband Ryan and their miniature Dachshund, Molly.
Special thanks to...
-Rachel Ellison, Administrative Assistant, Learning & Interpretation
-Keith Gollar, Digital Content Coordinator
-Rob Deslongchamps, Head of Photographic Services
