People at Work & Play
Technology prompted me to explore the simplicity of people working with their hands; boat builders, sewers, cooks, grocers. My reason for starting the people at work series many years ago was that I always admired the quietness of the hatmaker that my mother visited since I was a child. More recently, the people who have not been replaced, who stay serenely and sometimes arrogantly in their shops. I started this series when I saw the cooks working at the Top of the Hub restaurant in the Prudential building in Boston a long time ago. They were so quiet and serious and wore funny outfits. I’m always photographing new ideas of people at work. I’m terrified they will be replaced by robots. I consider this ongoing series as my most significant work.
Amesbury Boat BuildersMedium - CollagraphSize 22" x 28"Price $850
One winter afternoon, my late husband Mace and I were doing something and we noticed a sign for Amesbury Boat House which was open despite it being a cold and wet day. So we went in and saw this beautiful scene. The epitome of two guys quietly working. I always liked red-heads. Note the far window where I tried to show icicles and the pot belly stove in the foreground. Recently, I donated one of these prints to an auction that was designed to keep the boat house standing. This is one of my most treasured images.
One winter afternoon, my late husband Mace and I were doing something and we noticed a sign for Amesbury Boat House which was open despite it being a cold and wet day. So we went in and saw this beautiful scene. The epitome of two guys quietly working. I always liked red-heads. Note the far window where I tried to show icicles and the pot belly stove in the foreground. Recently, I donated one of these prints to an auction that was designed to keep the boat house standing. This is one of my most treasured images.
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Cholesterol Kingdom By The SeaMedium - CollagraphSize 31" x21"Price $1200
I was invited as the featured artist to this 150 year old hotel in Cape May, New Jersey. One day I took a peak in their kitchen and saw this jolly scene. As you can tell from their postures, they’re relaxed and yet purposeful. Again, I liked noticing and making all their tools, measuring cups, large spoons, bowls, pots and pans. Each time I printed it, it has taken me hours because the colors were put on with brushes and often were experimental. The plate had to have an all over inking of a dark color and yet where I wanted to put bright notes of color had to be completely wiped off. So printing, was the hardest of all the group.
I was invited as the featured artist to this 150 year old hotel in Cape May, New Jersey. One day I took a peak in their kitchen and saw this jolly scene. As you can tell from their postures, they’re relaxed and yet purposeful. Again, I liked noticing and making all their tools, measuring cups, large spoons, bowls, pots and pans. Each time I printed it, it has taken me hours because the colors were put on with brushes and often were experimental. The plate had to have an all over inking of a dark color and yet where I wanted to put bright notes of color had to be completely wiped off. So printing, was the hardest of all the group.
The Fish SellersMedium - CollagraphSize 28" x 22"Price $1000
Behind a parking lot in downtown Gloucester there is a humble sign for Connely’s Seafood. There’s Maria on the left, who answers questions with one word; yes or no. There’s her boss in his yellow apron. This is a good print of that. There were many failures that led up to this.It’s a real oil painting each time.
Behind a parking lot in downtown Gloucester there is a humble sign for Connely’s Seafood. There’s Maria on the left, who answers questions with one word; yes or no. There’s her boss in his yellow apron. This is a good print of that. There were many failures that led up to this.It’s a real oil painting each time.
The Girl With The Green HairMedium - CollagraphSize 18" x 23"Price $850
Although I ordinarily dislike perspective and can hardly manage it, this image demanded careful perspective, and reversing it was a challenge. It’s about a down-the-street coffee shop and fancy grocery store. There at the counter sits Melisa with her yellow shirt making her phone calls as her helper asks her questions. In the background, there’s somebody carrying things. I’m very proud of this image and again, the place has changed as years have gone on.
Although I ordinarily dislike perspective and can hardly manage it, this image demanded careful perspective, and reversing it was a challenge. It’s about a down-the-street coffee shop and fancy grocery store. There at the counter sits Melisa with her yellow shirt making her phone calls as her helper asks her questions. In the background, there’s somebody carrying things. I’m very proud of this image and again, the place has changed as years have gone on.
The CobblerMedium - CollagraphSize 22" x 28"Price $850
This old fellow would not retire. He loved people to bring in their worn out shoes which he would sew and polish. He enjoyed telling everybody about his experiences in World War II. I discovered him when I had a hole in one of my best boots and I couldn’t resist making a plate all though it got very complicated with all those objects and machines. Note the background color is not my usual blue, I was in a brown phase. I don’t want this to be a satire, but I did want to show his body at work and his concentration. We really don’t know if he is still alive.
This old fellow would not retire. He loved people to bring in their worn out shoes which he would sew and polish. He enjoyed telling everybody about his experiences in World War II. I discovered him when I had a hole in one of my best boots and I couldn’t resist making a plate all though it got very complicated with all those objects and machines. Note the background color is not my usual blue, I was in a brown phase. I don’t want this to be a satire, but I did want to show his body at work and his concentration. We really don’t know if he is still alive.
The SeamstressMedium - CollagraphSize 20" x 28"Price $850
A vanishing breed, this red-headed angel quietly buzzed her sewing machine while the breezes came in from the open door. The older gent who owned this sewing shop was cheerfully in the background. What I particularly loved about this scene was the possibilities of making the spools of threads a variety of colors as well as the hanging fabrics. Can you feel the stillness?
A vanishing breed, this red-headed angel quietly buzzed her sewing machine while the breezes came in from the open door. The older gent who owned this sewing shop was cheerfully in the background. What I particularly loved about this scene was the possibilities of making the spools of threads a variety of colors as well as the hanging fabrics. Can you feel the stillness?