Irene Mitkus

Book of Sacred Trees.
Unique Artist's Book. Birch bark, concertina binding, laser print, linocuts on Gasen Cedar paper.
On loan from David Harvey.

This project started. . . in the summer of 1998 when Max Yela invited me to use the UWM Library and Special Collections resources to create a work of art. The suggestion was made that I use the topic of multiculturalism. Being of East European extraction, I have always been aware of the veneration of the oak tree, going back to pre-Christian times. So I knew that most cultures have a special tree that has been held sacred. The mythology that I found concerning the sacred tree was vast and overwhelming. In order to create an artist’s book, I had to do some paring down and chose those trees and their myths that struck me visually and spiritually.

During the time that I started the actual work on the book, I became gravely ill, but have managed to finish the project with the kind help of my friend, Ney Tait Fraser. It has been a pleasure to see the parts all come together to form an artist’s book.

Curator’s note: Irene Mitkus, who died in November 2000 after a battle with cancer, was a much beloved and respected figure in the Milwaukee-area arts, conservation, and library communities. Book of Sacred Trees was her last work. The Shape and Color of Research Project is dedicated to her memory.