Untitled

Object NameMosaic

Artist / Maker Esther Seitmann Warner Dendel (American, 1910 - 2002)

Date1959

MediumGlass tile and compound

Dimensions14 3/8 x 41 in. (36.5 x 104.1 cm)

ClassificationsSculpture

Credit LineGift of the Estate of Esther Dendel. In the Art on Campus Collection, University Museums, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa.

Object numberU2010.52

Status

Not on view

Collections

CultureAmerican

Label TextEsther Seitmann Warner Dendel (American, 1910-2002) Untitled, ca. 1959 Ceramic tile mosaic In the Art on Campus Collection, University Museums, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa. U2010.52 Working primarily in ceramic mosaics, pottery and tapestries, Dendel was interested in patterns found in day-to-day life, such as soap bubbles and vacuum patterns in carpet. She founded Denwar Studios (1960s-1997) with her husband, Jo Dendel in Costa Mesa, California as an informal workshop to teach their craft and aesthetic techniques. The curved lines in this textured mosaic remind us of the passage of time, and the acid-colors and patterns perhaps recall the psychedelic poster art of the 1960s, prevalent in California at the time. Dendel was born in Laurel, Iowa and attended Iowa State College from 1927-1929. She left for a position as a Home Demonstration Agent in the Extension Department at West Virginia Agricultural College. In 1936, she returned to Iowa State College, and graduated from the Applied Art Department, Home Economics Division. She then attended Columbia University in New York City and obtained a MA Degree with an emphasis in sculpture. (from "Subject to Change" exhibit.)

PeriodMid-century Modern

Locations