The Washington times., 1922-07-02

ideal
When the Swedish Minister and
Madame wallenbers gave q tea
for Mr.. Edstrom. introducing him
10 official Washington and their
personal friends, It was quite re-
freshing. in . modern drawing
room on q festive occasion. to hear
art discussed ~ serious pursuit
of life, not . nero vocation. The
sculptor gave an informal talk
upon his monument. with photo
graphs Of the model.
Meantime the question Of . stu
do was solved by the Art Center.
1106 Connecticut avenue northwest,
the new foundation established by
Mrs. William Hits. wife Of Judge
Hitz- Here Edstrom found an
ssreeably artistic atmosphere. en-.
couraging friends and . movement
for the development Of art interest
In, Washington. which he was able
to further. He had brought from
California the model of Man
Triumphant" which was installed
In his studio, and at once drew
many visitors. With the artists
persistence. he remodeled his group
once more. the three Titans in their
struggle with the serpent, and he
found In M. dc Pau. well known
here among the artists. an excel
lent model. who posed for him
daily.
The League Of American Pen
Women, with Mrs. William Wolff
Smith as hostess. next invited Mr..
Edstrom for an address at q Sun
day afternoon tea, when he was q
guest Of honor with General Per.
shins. and moro fully explained his
purpose in the monument.
IAN the great periods in sculp-
tt1re have had their inspiration and
material support from the religions
Of their time" asserted Edstrom,
and he cited the ancient Chinese,
Indian. Egyptian and Greek sculp-
ture as representations In bronze or
stone Of their gods and goddesses.
But. he said further. I'VE can never
call any art the art of the period
that does not enter into and have
IN influence over the common AMI
average man"
MUST BE STIRRED.
my art from the very beginning
Of my career as q sculptor" con-
ttnued Edstrom, has been the ex-
preston Of personal experiences.
am not the extremely productive
type Of artist. Something must
stir me very deeply before get to
work. Tho purely conventional
commissions have had have been
such q torture to me that do not
see how can ever be buried deep
enough In the ground to be kept
safe from stealing forth some night
and tearing them down."
= His real creations, Edstrom ex.
plsined. had been things that he
had made. not because they were
IN demand. His psychological
studies. ''Caliban," Fear )" Pride"
Envy" "Prometheus," and his
many portrait busts-these had led
UP to his present work, the con.
ception Of Man Triumphant"
The sculptor's absolute faith in his
ideal impressed his large audience.
: A little later. at an Arts Club
dinner. where Mr.. Edstrom was a
guest Of honor, though he failed
to arrive In time to occupy his
seat at the table. he spoke OF the
development of Swedish art and
its motives. He was also delight
fully humorous. and his talk
proved 30 stimulating to the group
present that motion was actually
made by the president to send the
speaker throughout the Unitei
States. preaching his gospel OF
art. However, there were no
funds for the purpose, and II 1.
doubtful II Edstrom would have
considered the suggestion. 50 In.
tent was he upon Man Trium.
phant." ~
II II rarely. indeed. that one
finds combined the creative ability