Beverly Pepper (1922-2020) was an internationally renowned artist, known for her large-scale outdoor sculptures. 

Although Pepper was raised and educated in New York, by her late twenties she was drawn to post-war Europe. She went overseas and continued her studies and professional evolution in Paris and Italy. Eventually, she would settle in Todi in Umbria (Central Italy) by the 60’s where her principal studio would be situated, however, she had somewhat of a bicoastal life shuttling between America and Europe. 

Pepper is known for her innovations in large-scale metal sculpture, embracing and expanding the possibilities of cast iron, stainless steel, and Cor-ten. She was also active in land art, using organic materials such as hulled trees and earth. From the onset of her career Pepper’s works were either created or intended to be exhibited outdoors. It is important to emphasize that Pepper was working in an entirely male-dominated field of not only sculptors but also fabricators, steel workers, etc. There is a cited quote circulating that Pepper once said, "Other women want diamonds and fur coats. I just want to live in a factory."

Like many leading American artists in the late 1970’s and 80’s Pepper was captivated by Garner Tullis’ Workshop. Tullis introduced Pepper to making monotypes with molds and paper pulp. Pepper created a small number of (true to form) oversized monoprints. This work is a paradigm of her collaboration with Tullis featuring one of her signature forms, sometimes referred to as a “medieval axe” with its mirrored blade or bit shape. The surface looks as if it has been weathered over decades and has a striking texture and patina. 

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"Untitled"

USA, 1985

Monoprint on BFK Rives 

42.5"H  31" W (sheet)

50.75"H  38.5" W (framed)

Printed at the Garner Tullis Workshop (Emeryville, California)