Untitled

In 1972 Westermann produced a series of six lithographs at Landfall Press in Chicago, with the direction of master printer, Jack Lemon. Westermann wanted to produce a decorative wooden slipcase for the portfolio and the wood-burned plywood panel shown in the display case was the prototype for that project. With an edition of 60 sets of prints the wooden case was abandoned as too labor-intensive and a plain cardboard slipcase was substituted. Lemon retained the prototype and this print of the image was produced posthumously in 2000 (with the permission of Joanna Beall Westermann’s estate) as part of Landfall’s thirtieth anniversary celebration.

In addition to the cowboy and steer, the image includes many of Westermann’s favorite desert motifs, including Saguaro cacti, the mesas in the far background, and circling birds (all of which are also found in Deserted Airport N.M.). Westermann wittily incorporates the wood grain into the image, so that the flame-like patterns in the wood lend themselves to the effect of heat rising, from the branding iron, the small bonfire, and the parched landscape.

Purchase, Paul and Miriam Kirkley Fund for Acquisitions.