Gwen Frostic

Here’s a poem by Michigan born, Sara Gwendolyn Frostic (April 26, 1906 – April 25, 2001), one of America’s foremost nature inspired artists. One of nine children, Gwen was stricken with polio at an early age. Gwen not only survived, she overcame the doctor’s prognosis that she would never walk, talk, or write again.

As a single woman in her fifties, Gwen moved to the northern woods of Michigan to observe, study, research, and sketch her native woods in all their detail. Carefully carving the designs of nature into linoleum blocks. Gwen then used Heidleberg letter presses to bring her images alive on stationery accompanied by her poems.

Known for her simple lines and delicate colors, she continued to produce new work well into her nineties. Gwen Frostic passed away on Wednesday, April 25, 2001 leaving the following epitaph: "Here lies one doubly blessed. She was happy and she knew it.”

From her book of poetry “A Place on Earth”

Each frog---and insect
bird---and tree

and everything that lives and breathes
somehow creates its place on earth

The plants need water to survive
in turn give water to the sky

a blue jay feeds upon the nuts
of trees that jays have planted

the moth that pollinates the flowers
once ate the leaves – before it flew

As each thing ever fosters
the thing that fosters it

--- and in return must ever give
as much as it receives

that all things shall keep a perfect balance

and earn a place on earth.

--Gwen Frostic