Wooden Santa c. 1940

Syrena Swanson rendered this image of a ‘Wooden Santa’ using graphite, watercolor, and gouache, preserving a cultural memory. Here, the figure, adorned in a cape and hat, presents symbols that echo across epochs. Consider the floral motifs: they are not merely decorative, they are the echo of ancient rites of spring, of renewal and hope. From Botticelli’s Primavera to the humblest folk art, flowers are the silent language of life’s persistence. Note, too, the hat. Hats, historically, denote status and protection, yet here, it frames the face, drawing us into the figure’s gaze. The gesture of the hands draws the eye; they are intertwined as if in prayer. A universal posture of entreaty and introspection. This recurs in countless depictions of saints and supplicants, marking our shared human quest for meaning. In this Wooden Santa, Swanson doesn't just show us an object; she touches a collective nerve, reminding us of the symbols through which we seek comfort and continuity.