Winter Leaves

Morris Graves (1910-2001) is one of America's most respected artists.  A native of the Pacific Northwest, he is best known for his paintings that reflect his spiritual focus and transcendental consciousness.  He expressed imagery that represented symbolic representations of his mystical beliefs.  Graves sought to integrate Western painting with Eastern philosophy.  Zen Buddhism, with its belief in the unity of the individual and the universe, became the centerpiece for personal symbolism in his work.  The painting was a gift of Mr. and Mrs. Sam Rubenstein to the City of Seattle.