Editor’s Note: This article by Steven Carlson suggests an entirely new school of desert art. We’ve considered the painters of the Coachella Valley her school in Smoketree, but Effie Anderson-Smith (Stephen’s great aunt) dedicated much of her work to the misunderstood yucca. Aunt Effie (1869-1955) was a pioneer painter in Arizona who lived in a mining camp but after the death of her baby daughter in 1907 she turned to painting . rough western land.
Effie Anderson Smith behind the wheel of a Rambler near her home in Pierce, Arizona Territory, 1907. EA .Smith Archive.
When celebrating Easter, Passover, or the traditions of this time of year, I remember Effie’s love of yucca, especially Pierce’s yucca near her home. It was shortly after she arrived in Arizona Territory in 1895 that she became fascinated with them. She often spoke of her love for what was called “Old Yucca”, the lone sentinel of her desert. They can be seen in some of her paintings depicting her Valley of Sulfur Her Springs between Chiricahua and Dragoon Mountains not far from her home.
Our Lord’s Desert Candle, 1936. All images courtesy of the EA Smith Archive.
Plain with Grass (Cow Country), 1930
They are also known to gardeners and desert experts as “Our Lord’s Candle” (Yucca Whipley). Effie’s deeply rooted Anglican faith has named the plant “Our The Lord of the Desert led to describe it as “the candle of the desert.” Perhaps more than any other subject, from the mid-1930s to the decline of her active life as an artist in the early 1950s, Yucca took center stage from the fringes of her early work to the main subject of her paintings. now stand.
A Yucca painting by Effie Anderson Smith was found on eBay.
When this picture of Yucca by Effie appeared Ebay A few years ago, it was accompanied by a rare and interesting handwritten note from Effie to the buyer, revealing the significance of the pioneering history that the artist knew at the time. She informs buyers that the scene depicts… “Old Butterfield Trail – Apache Pass in the distance. The hill in the foreground is Sulfur Springs Valley Hill. Here the settlers camped on their way to Tucson.
Yucca (Our Lord’s Desert Candle) blooms gorgeously all summer long. ”
Effie signed on April 23, 1945.
Effie’s note attached to a picture of a yucca.
Depending on the yucca’s elevation in Arizona, California, New Mexico, and northern Mexico, it may bloom or scatter at various times of the spring, summer, or fall. , or the many yuccas along the railroads and roads between Douglas and Bisbee in the south, provide a spectacular show of white contrasting with clear blue skies, desert browns, mountain reds, or purples. bottom. The season changes to the hottest month of the year in Arizona.
Given that most of Effie’s lots in Cochise County have little to no trees other than yucca, these blooming wonders are a welcome delight and are featured in her work long after the flowers have passed their peak. There is a possibility.
In fact, Effie’s depiction of the yucca is her unique contribution to desert art and is one of the most sought-after paintings by collectors.
Yucca (Desert Candle.) The Dragoon Mountains seen here were behind Effie’s house in Pierce. Cochise Fortress is on the right.
Appreciated by discerning art lovers, but misunderstood by others, one or more of Effie’s paintings of yucca can be found in thrift store sales bins. She painted more than any other subject, so you’re more likely to find her yucca work in her antique store or estate sale. If you find one, please let us know!
[EffieAnderson-SmithandherartstudentsatherhomestudioinDouglasArizona1945[1945年、アリゾナ州ダグラスにある彼女のホームスタジオでのエフィーアンダーソンスミスと美術の生徒たち。
This article is reprinted from Steven Carlson’s Effiegram newsletter. For more information on Effie Anderson Smith and signing up for her Effiegrams, see: https://www.effieandersonsmith.com/
Read about Stephen Carlson’s epic quest to write the name of his great great aunt back into art history. https://www.californiadesertart.com/effie-anderson-smith-how-to-revive-the-legend-of-a-forgotten-artist/
