Bertha Boynton Lum was an American artist known for her work in printmaking, specifically in the genre of Japanese woodblock prints known as ukiyo-e. Born on December 31, 1869, in Tipton, Iowa, Lum grew up in a time when the Japonism movement was becoming popular in the West, which greatly influenced her artistic direction.
Lum attended the School of the Art Institute of Chicago where she studied design and drawing. It was during her honeymoon in Japan in 1903 that she became fascinated with Japanese art, particularly woodblock printing. She learned the craft from Japanese masters and became known for her adaptation of traditional Japanese techniques with Western aesthetics.
Returning to the United States, Lum began to produce her own prints, integrating themes and styles that reflected an East meets West sensibility. Her work often depicted subjects like children, landscapes, and tales from Chinese and Japanese mythology. She was innovative in her use of color and is noted for her delicate lines and intricate compositions.
Over the years, Lum continued to travel back to Asia to refine her skills, and her works were exhibited in multiple countries, garnering international acclaim. In 1915, she gained significant recognition at the Panama-Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco.
Lum's contribution to the art world extends beyond her role as an artist. She was also instrumental in spreading knowledge about the Japanese printmaking technique to the Western world. Her prints are characterized by a luminous quality and a poetic charm that have earned them a lasting place in the history of printmaking.
Despite facing challenges as a woman in a male-dominated field, Lum's determination and talent led to a successful career. She continued to create art until her later years, passing away on February 20, 1954, in Genoa, Italy. Today, Bertha Boynton Lum is remembered as a pioneer who bridged cultural divides through her art and contributed to the international appreciation of Asian aesthetics.
