Why do I continue to make artwork about labor? Because it's real and tangible. It's a ceaseless act of gritty physical effort. It's as familiar, ubiquitous and timeless as dirt itself. It's everywhere and always. Right now there are hands reaching, pulling, pounding and fully exerting themselves for a necessary purpose. These stretching, toiling, striving hands perform a back-breaking work that can really only be done by hand. That's what I see. It's honest. That's what I feel. It's pure. Which is what I try to distill in my paintings of field labor harvest scenes.
The above painting of a grape gathering is based upon my observations and sketches during a harvest in the Alexander Valley. But it could be anywhere any year. It's the remaining available piece from this particular series. It's an oil painting on linen-stretched panel and measures 48" X 48" square.
Contact me to see how it will look on your wall.
Jay
415-751-4232
Hi Jay,
ReplyDeleteWelcome back! Hope you had a good summer. I see hiking was part of it. Looks like a wonderful spot. Hope you enjoyed yourself. I was pleasantly surprised to spot your painting on my dashboard. There was no mistaking it was yours...