2002
oil on canvas 38” x 64”
$8000 +GST

This is the first painting of a series based on my family snapshots that are sent out at Christmas. Generally they are posed and reflect the times in which they were taken. In 1970, Grant Wood’s famous painting, “American Gothic” (circa 1930), was often used as a satirical commentary to depict opposing ideals – unlikely partners. Although “American Gothic” was the winner of a competition at the Art Institute of Chicago in the 1930’s, it was not a favourite of the curators at the time. By public demand, it was returned to the Institute’s galleries to become one of the most popular paintings in America. I like this ironic outcome. David set up the photo to send as part of a slide essay to his parents in Toronto who were somewhat baffled by our lifestyle.