Grandma Battin’s Garden is a beautiful summer scene by Gustave Baumann. This artist was born in Magdeburg, Germany, in 1881. He immigrated to America and after some time in the Midwest moved to New Mexico in 1919. He was in love with the beauty of his new home and captured his love in woodcuts and color prints hand pulled from them. His technique and use of color created masterworks which have been displayed in museums and galleries across our country. The varied treatment of light in this composition with a dark sky over flowers in seemingly bright sunlight holds our eyes and questions.

As we bring our thoughts to this piece on Memorial Day, it might be seen as an unintended tribute. The empty chair in the midground might call us to remember all the empty chairs caused by war. The play of rich, complimentary colors in the foreground flowers could call us to see this garden as a living honor bouquet for those who died fighting for our country.

Interpretation of visual art is always a communication loop between the language of the artist expressed in color, shape, form, texture, perspective and what is on the minds and hearts of the viewer. This is a profound loop of inspiration and experience that can bring us to our deepest beliefs and prayers. May this image prompt our prayers to find peace and to keep it in our everyday and our world.

In gratitude, faith and hope,

Sandy Prouty
Minister of Children and Families
Montview Church