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
Featured here are random hands within different paintings in the permanent collection at the Legion of Honor Museum. Since I live nearby, and have become so familiar with many of the paintings there over the years, I sometimes place my focus on a chosen theme. For example, drapery, sky, water and this time, hands. I enjoy drawing and painting hands and the museum acts as an informal workshop through observation. My favorite are the El Greco hands sixth from the top. I feel moved by the pose and loose painterly rendering. Somehow his hands stand out from the rest for me.
