To Those Who See

by Gwen Frostic

AA

Genres: Poetry, Art, Nature

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1965

About the author

Sara Gwendolen Frostic
"was born in Sandusky, Michigan to Sara and Fred Frostic. When she was 8 months old she suffered from an unknown illness which left her with lifelong symptoms similar to cerebral palsy. Despite physical difficulties Frostic showed an early interest and aptitude for art. In June 1924 she graduated from Theodore Roosevelt High School in Wyandotte, where she was known for using a band saw to create event posters for her school. She continued her studies at Eastern Michigan University earning her teacher's certificate and gaining membership in Alpha Sigma Tau sorority. In 1926 she transferred to Western Michigan University and left in 1927 without completing her degree. She continued her artistic endeavors in metal and plastic, while occasionally teaching, but with the war came a lack of metal to work with and she turned to linoleum block carving. Frostic then turned her linoleum block carving into stationery goods and prints which led to her starting her own printing company, Presscraft Papers. In the early 1950s Frostic opened up a shop selling her prints, books, and other items in Frankfort and in 1960 she bought 40 acres (160,000 m2) of land in Benzonia with the intention of moving her and her shop. On April 26, 1964 her new shop was open for business and she lived there until her death in 2001." ~ wikipedia

"Over the years Gwen had been awarded honorary degrees from many colleges and universities. In 1978 Michigan Governor William Milliken proclaimed May 23rd as Gwen Frostic Day in Michigan, and in 1986 she was inducted into the Michigan Woman's Hall of Fame.

Long before her death she wrote her epitaph:

"Here lies one doubly blessed.
She was happy and she knew it."" ~ http://www.gwenfrostic.com/

Reviews

[Adrienne Blaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made we want to cry because I loved it so much. It’s a true work of book art. Each page of my 1965 edition was printed at Gwen Frostic’s printing press in Michigan. As I learn more about her, I’m even more in awe of her work in the print arts. The book describes the cycles of nature and reflects the changing seasons. Birds are a major theme throughout and the prints are stunning. The paper is textural and special with some pages containing plants and other objects pressed into the paper itself. A must have art object for anyone who delights in deckled edges! This book offers a quiet moment for someone ready to take a closer look.

[robin✨allthethingssheread · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found in a charity shop and I immediately knew this was a wee gem of a book.
For Those Who See is a poetic, if a bit simplistic meditation on nature, seasons and time, but what really makes it special is the make of the volume itself. The illustrations, the paper quality, the art style left me breathless multiple times. So happy this was my first read of the year.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

To Those Who See is one of my favorite books by Gwen Frostic. I am very fortunate to have one of the original copies. The book is filled with Frostic’s beautiful prints on a variety of different papers. Her prints and words reflect her love of nature. I pick it up whenever my spirits need lifting. The small gem of a book can be read and enjoyed in one sitting. It is one of my best reads.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

And to think I picked up my first taste of poetry on a whim for a mere dollar at a book sale.

Well that's a lie, I've been exposed to poetry throughout high school and have read the Iliad in my spare time. But with high school there was a need to analyze and the Iliad is something of a separate genre of poetry; epic poetry.

This book introduced me to that of a more peaceful variety, one that makes me believe it's best read with nature surrounding you - be it in a forest or not. It reminds me of the beauty of true beauty of nature that I rarely get to experience in the city, and makes me want to spend a week away from it.

And it's not just the words that I fell in love with but the very presentation of the book itself. The illustrations are absolutely beautiful and the variation in pages only adds to it.

I'm rather glad that I've managed to pick up a copy of this and for so cheap, especially after hearing it's been out of print for quite some time.

[Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is may be one of the most beautiful books. Ever.

[Kai Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

hell yeah @ book art. The prints were just gorgeous, the color and design was excellent, the type face was fire and inventive usage of different paper styles, some transparent tracing pages allowed for v satisfying and pretty layering effects. The writing was just fine with some stand out pages being bangers. I ofc rly liked the themes but I preferred when the writing was sparser, that is when it was strongest. Pages with full paragraphs weren't as strong imo. The heron carrying up the frog and the crawfish fighting god lol, many pretty flowers and gorgeous birds. Also v timely as this book is about the transition from winter to spring.

[R.G. Ziemer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful book, apparently handmade, at least the prints.
Poetry is free verse, observations on nature

[Hannah Barnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the perfect poetry for spring. I love how it not only captures the quiet moments of spring turning to summer, but also discusses how the things that died make way for new things to live.

[Ceili D · Rating 5 out of 5]

A work of pure art. One of the coolest finds I’ve had in a long time. Shoutout to the public library used book sale corner - A first edition from 1965 - haven’t held a book quite like it.

[Sevenponds · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ask myself why have I not shared this small poetry book “To Those Who See” by Gwen Frostic with you, my readers? Simply put, it’s my most treasured book. And treasures are to be hidden, aren’t they?

the winds blow freshness to our lives

and stars seem

close enough to touch……

A brief 33 pages, Gwen Frostic’s words and striking crafted Mid-century block-prints, offer a potent potion for those who seek to restore themselves while in the midst of the grieving process. It is also one of the most perfect bereavement gifts, guaranteed to be fondled, loved and revisited for years to come.

[Continued]

Full SevenPonds review:
http://blog.sevenponds.com/lending-in...

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book that I really enjoyed reading. I love the art prints and handmade papers. There are even a few pages of thin handmade paper that look like they have a pressed fern leaf or thin paper cut out of a butterfly captured in the fibers so you can see both sides and you can feel the stem of the fern leaf. Her words are so beautiful and at the same time spot on. It takes an artist to really see the beauty in nature and not just pass it by without noticing its beauty. She was a wonderful artist and I wish she was still alive so I could talk to her. I am very fortunate to find this signed copy of her book.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not sure how I ended up with this book, but this morning I found it tucked into my bookshelf. I was immediately curious about it because it looked like a homemade book with "To Those Who See--" written on the cover in green colored pencil. When I flipped through the book and saw all of the beautiful illustrations on homemade paper, I was delighted. I immediately sat down and read it cover to cover in 10 minutes. The words and illustrations called to my spirit. I don't know where this book came from or how I got it, but I sure am glad I found it!

[Dee Caggiano · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had this gem on a crowded Bookcase. I just found it today. It may have been a gift at a conference many years ago. Perhaps I put it aside on my bookshelf with a quick glance, when times were busier. Today we look with different eyes. It took little time to read but it’s impact is long...It was perfect timing to read these poems today. Handmade paper, amazing illustrations and the ability to focus on what we “see” or might have missed...

[Mary w · Rating 5 out of 5]

Growing up in Northern MI has me in love with this book. I bought it when it first came out and cherish it when I get homesick for Michigan. The art work is like no other and wish they would begin to print this book again. It would sell out immediately. It is hard to find one in perfect condition.

[Gypsysoul_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rescued this book at a small used bookstore on one of my adventures. It was absolutely perfect. From the prose to the artistry of the binding, everything. I’m now forever on the hunt to find more by this author.

[Rich Farrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I came across this at the annual Newberry Library book sale, and I picked it up because it looked beautiful, with shaggy pages, full-page prints, and images on transparent paper. The poem itself is quaint in a nice way and traces nature over the four seasons.

[Nichole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book, it is beautifully done (each original is different) and the message in the words has inspired me for years. Everyone should read this once and many many more times after that.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book and delightful images

[Yiga · Rating 5 out of 5]

the most sweet, stunning, poetic-ly crafted book i own - a gift from my darling amala this past birthday. beautiful.

[Zack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably one of my most treasured discoveries. Picked it up brand new (mint) at a second hand store for one dollar and immediately fell in love with it.

[Gabrielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful artwork paired with poetry

[Destiny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful imagery and writing. A lovely book that feel homemade and rustic.

[Joann Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully crafted book.

[Jessica Pixie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An unexpected Christmas gift! If you can get your hands on this, do it. I am convinced it was crafted and written by faeries. I don’t know how else to describe it.

[Hannah Borkenhagen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just bought this at my library for 25¢ and it is pure magic it’s so wistful and put me in a good mood immediately, if you can get this read it it’s so beautiful

[Mona Randall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not into poetry, but this little book of poems on nature has inspired me to look further. Reading it aloud has a zen like effect.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Stunning! A beautiful piece of poetry!

[Madhusree · Rating 5 out of 5]

a beauty of a book...great sketches and wonderful lines.

[Marcie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate to find an original signed copy of "To Those Who See" at a tag sale. I had no idea what the book was about when I bought it (for $0.50!) but as a nature lover I absolutely loved the illustrations so I picked it up and it has been sitting on my nightstand for 1.5 years (ya I know don't judge!). Clearing off my nightstand finally, I found the book again and read it from cover to cover. What a treat for the eyes and the soul! The illustrations are amazing and her poetry is just what I needed on a dreary winter day. I felt such a renewal of spirit after such a weary year. (Dreary-weary I'm guessing there's a theme there!) if you can get your hands on a copy, whether purchase or library, I highly recommend "To Those Who See." And if you have a few minutes, take a moment to google and read about Gwen Frostic's life.

[Shannon L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I happened upon this looking for Rilke in my favorite new and used local bookstore. It was less than $4 and priceless in my eyes. What an absolute treasure of a poem reflecting on the feast for our eyes that is the natural world. That she wrote, printed and put these all together is incredible. As someone that has a educational background in printmaking, I know what a laborious and physical process it is, I can’t even imagine having a disability like hers and doing all of this. It makes it that much more magical. The lino reductive cuts are absolutely beautiful. I’m so glad I found this beautiful work. It is serendipitous in finding it as I relish being one who sees, seeing things mentioned in the poem and being present in them, not taking them for granted. This isn’t just a beautiful and epic poem, but also a physical and beautiful reproduction of love for natural life.