Text by Martin H. Bush

"Martin H. Bush chronicles Duane Hanson's life and contributions to the development of twentieth-century sculpture beginning with the artist's childhood in rural Minnesota, through his varied academic training, and on to his eventual success. It is a story of an artist's unceasing quest for artistic expression that could touch the lives of many people. Bushdescribes the phases of Hanson's career, from the 'violent expressionism' of the late sixties through the social satire and the 'illusionistic work' of the seventies and eighties....A journalist once described his first encounter with Hanson's Cement Worker (a man in spattered shoes and jeans, a torn T-shirt, a rumpled plaid shirt and a hard hat), in the following manner: 'As I jostled him I said, "Excuse me." But he didn't budge, didn't reply, and I realized he was a Hanson. A piece of sculpture that looks as tired, worn-out and poorly dressed as the rest of us makes us uneasy.' Although these large-as-life sculptures of down-home people captivate viewers, some critics refuse to consider them as works of art. To dispel this notion, a series of photographs provides readers with a detailed description of the intricate and comoplex process used to create the sculptures, and the author helps to dispel any doubts about Hanson's technical skills and masterful control of his materials. The volume is illustrated with more than 117 photographs (43 in full color), many depicting the artist at work. The honesty and integrity of Hanson's art are paralleled by the thoroughness and integrity of Bush's examination. As Hanson has made a vital contribution to the art of sculpture, this publication effectively augments the literature which advances and sustains the aesthetic consciousness of modern society. 128 pages, 117 illustrations (43 in full color). Includes chronology, lists of exhibitions, public collections, bibliography, and index."

Paperback, 1985, 128pages, very good condition