Mid-Century in 2020 Postponed
The influence for this body of work came to be from my wife and I looking for a house and discovering mid-century modern homes. Not only was I impressed by the architecture of the style and era, I became fascinated with items from this time period too. What I enjoy the most about these items from the 50's and 60's is how they distinctly different they look from items before or after them. These objects are encapsulated in an era of forward thinking and designs that are still beautiful today. Portraying this beauty is the objective of this group of work, not to mention the monumental amount of nostalgia.
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When: Opening March 6th and runs through April 24th. The gallery is open Tuedays-Thursdays from 10ish - 3ish and you can make an appointment to see it any time at gallery@thomasmccormick.com
Where: McCormick Gallery 835 West Washington Blvd., Chicago, IL 60607 Website: McCormick Gallery |
*Special Instructions for the opening*
Contact me directly at ksurges68@sbcglobal.net if you wish to stop by the gallery on the opening day on March 6th. I will schedule a time for you to come and visit. There is a 10 person max in the gallery and you must were a mask and socially distance. |
*Click on the painting to view the full size image*
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Coke And Cooler, 40" x 32", oil on panel While trolling on eBay, I came across Coca-Cola coolers from the 50's. I think they have a great look, so I bought one. I also found an aluminum bottle carrier from the same era. Coke products have always interested me. I'm a fan of the logo and especially the old glass bottles.
The original plan didn't call for a lady bug, but I thought I needed something to get the viewer closer to surface of the painting. |
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Coke Carrier, 12" x 12", oil on panelThe idea for this one came out of frustration of having a mental block for ideas. I bought this late 50's cardboard carrier along with some coke bottles I used for the coke and cooler painting. Seeing the carrier flattened gave it a sort of abstract, modern appearance that I liked. From there I proceeded to paint the hell out it.
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Royal Empress, 21" x 42", oil on panelThis typewriter painting is probably my most emotionally attached piece. I'm aware I'm not the first artist to paint a typewriter, but I must say that not only is this the coolest typewriter I've seen, it was also my grandmother's.
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My grandmother grew up during the depression and had a husband serve in the 2nd World War. She was one of those strong, independent women of the Greatest Generation. As for many after the war, the 50's were a good economic time and they built their dream home in 1964. They furnished it with many mid-century modern pieces of the time - an era and style I've really come to appreciate.
Like many who lived through the depression, my grandparents kept and saved most of what they worked for. Nothing of value was tossed because it fell out of fashion. I believe this is why this typewriter was never replaced. It still served it's purpose for all the years my grandma used it. Perhaps this is also a testament to the craftsmanship of the piece.
With that said, both my parents worked when I was a kid and as a result, I spent a lot of time at my grandparent's house. I have fond memories there and seeing my grandma typing away on this Royal typewriter is one of them. No, she wasn't an author, but she was a damn good record keeper and librarian; from every receipt to book she owned, which was many to say the least.
My grandmother battled dementia/Alzheimer's for the last several years, and was forced to sell the house in 2018. While helping clean out her home, I came across the typewriter. I hadn't seen it in years - what a mid-century gem! Most typewriters are square and boxy, but this Royal Empress is sleek and curvy. It's also very large, weighing 33 lbs. I knew when I saw it, it would make a great painting.
Unfortunately, my grandmother never would see this painting completed. After many years of declining health, she passed away in June 2019 at the age of 93. I feel part of her will live on in this painting and I'm thankful for all the wonderful memories.
Like many who lived through the depression, my grandparents kept and saved most of what they worked for. Nothing of value was tossed because it fell out of fashion. I believe this is why this typewriter was never replaced. It still served it's purpose for all the years my grandma used it. Perhaps this is also a testament to the craftsmanship of the piece.
With that said, both my parents worked when I was a kid and as a result, I spent a lot of time at my grandparent's house. I have fond memories there and seeing my grandma typing away on this Royal typewriter is one of them. No, she wasn't an author, but she was a damn good record keeper and librarian; from every receipt to book she owned, which was many to say the least.
My grandmother battled dementia/Alzheimer's for the last several years, and was forced to sell the house in 2018. While helping clean out her home, I came across the typewriter. I hadn't seen it in years - what a mid-century gem! Most typewriters are square and boxy, but this Royal Empress is sleek and curvy. It's also very large, weighing 33 lbs. I knew when I saw it, it would make a great painting.
Unfortunately, my grandmother never would see this painting completed. After many years of declining health, she passed away in June 2019 at the age of 93. I feel part of her will live on in this painting and I'm thankful for all the wonderful memories.
I Want to Hold Your Hand, 12" x 12", oil on panelWhile this record painting may seem like a clever idea during the time of Covid, I can assure you it was all a coincidence. I merely choose this record because it was the big hit single in the states when the Beatles arrived in America during the height of Beatlemania. I even confirmed with Tom McCormick (who has a bit of a musical past) about the 66 cent price tag to confirm this was accurate for 1964.
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Mod Radio, 14" x 25", oil on panelI found this cool radio on eBay and bought it instantly. It has that great mid-century modern look. And yes, this tube radio alarm clock from 1959 still works. I love it so much, the actual radio is now a permanent decoration in our home.
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Summer S'more, 5.625" x 5.625", oil on panelThis is one of those summer painting ideas that came together very quickly; most of the good ideas do. I've been wanting to paint more foil since the last painting of foil I did in 2014. I can't remember what the direct influence for the s'more was, but I'm sure it had to do with last year's summer.
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Beatlemania, 54" x 24", oil on panelThe idea for this painting came from wanting to paint an old rotary phone, but to present it in an interesting way. I thought the phone hanging down would be cool, but what event/news in the past might have excited someone so much to leave the phone off the hook? Drawing from my previous Beatles record painting, I thought the day the Beatles came to America might be a good event. Someone receiving a phone call from a friend hearing the Beatles are here might trigger them to rush out the door leaving the phone hanging down the wall. So the daily calendar in this piece is be set to Feb 7th, 1964, the day the Beatles landed in America.
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