Labor.

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

Art Over the Fireplace

Is there a more honored space for art in a home than over the fireplace? I don't think so. I see the hearth as the symbolic center of the house. Television may be the modern day hearth-fire, but the true hearth and the art that hangs above it represent something deeper. The fireplace symbolizes kinship, family and a place to gather. The artwork has the opportunity to take us deeper and reflect the taste and sentiment of the family itself.  With that in my mind, I'm grateful to have paintings hanging in this esteemed spot. What's hanging above your mantle?

Grape Harvest (panels two and three details)