Braddock, Pennsylvania is full of despair. You can feel it when you drive around. Lately the community has been dealt another blow because the hospital there just closed. Unemployment is 15.8% compared to the national average of 9.7%.This was once a thriving mill town but now you see boarded-up storefronts and lots of houses are for sale–cheap. Lawns of these houses are overgrown with huge weeds and many are unoccupied. The dark sky tells this sad story while the crisp light gives hope that things can only get better.
7 comments:
I believe Braddock was a segment on 60 mins. or at least the mayor was. They showed many of he areas you refer to. Their mayor is working hard to help his community--I wondered if you had been painting in the area and now I see you have. The painting is wonderful and suggests all you wanted it to. Being a humongous fan of Ed Hopper's paintings, I, of course, see an influence[Second Story Sunlight] in your subject matter and use of light, though his paintings always suggest something sinister to me. His trees,often look scary to me. Your vegetation and your paintings are rich, warm and "human"--hopeful.
There is a very warm feeling to this oil painting. Sorry the town is troubled. Very well done!
Thanks Cecelia. Your comments are very kind and appreciated! I wish that TV segment would repeat. It would be great to see that things are actually improving. It is not apparent at this point.
Your story has an impact as well as the painting. I like how it all comes together.
You've still captured the quiet beauty. We have similar despair here where I live. My husband and I are both jobless and not getting unemployment or any aid of any kind. We may be leaving our own place very soon as we're at the end of the money. Sad and scary times...I hope these beautiful homes soon hear the joy of laughter again.
Both the story and the painting are very powerful, Ron. It is so disturbing to see what is happening in our country because of the economy.
Ron, my initial impressions, due to the beauty of your painting, were in stark contrast to your narrative. How sad, yet illuminating, to be brought around like that. It's certainly a poignant piece.
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