By Andy Weddington
Sunday, 17 May 2020
Government is at best a petulant servant and at worst a tyrannical master. George Washington, 1st President of the United States
So the other day I made a run to the grocery store; one of the big names.
They dedicate four parking spaces for veterans. One was open so I pulled in (Marine and Navy decals to assure the questioners).
I had a homemade mask in pocket - that once inside opted not to don since so few shoppers.
All store employees masked.
Well more than half the shoppers likewise.
I may have breached the six feet social distancing standard once or twice but those brief moments unavoidable.
With a couple dozen items - bananas to Brown Cow ice cream bars - in the basket I proceeded to checkout.
A cashier was just finishing up with a customer so I steered into her lane and stopped on the temporary green X.
Within a minute or so she motioned me forward.
While she scanned another employee came over to bag.
He looked to be late teens and was not especially enthusiastic. A dead snail faster.
Paying more attention to the cashier than bagger, suddenly came a big sneeze from the bagger.
Startled, I noted he wiped nose with hand, left mask down covering only mouth, uttered nothing, and continued bagging.
Outrageous!
Yes.
My instant of disbelief and anger as quickly gave way to there's nothing to do now other than hope he's not infected.
Store alarms did not sound to mobilize a doc nor bio hazard decon(lamination) team.
That dopey sneezed all over the checkout area, the cashier, and me was lost on him.
The bashful cashier blurted a half-hearted "Bless you," and continued.
I grumpily refrained from saying and doing what was in order but would have accomplished nothing.
Today is day four post shopping. So far, symptom free. Happy!
Perhaps all the evening prayers have helped.
In my studio an odd shaped canvas has been leaning against the wall for months for want of something interesting.
Mulling over the virus, mostly from the disturbing political nonsense perspective, an idea for the canvas came to mind.
That idea being what past presidents might think.
To that thought, mountain men - the giants of Mount Rushmore - came to mind.
So after reviewing sundry photos of the massive stone sculpture and a small color study painted several years ago, I set that odd size canvas on the easel and proceeded with an interpretation.
That is, paint not monotone copy but full color variant taking liberty with juxtaposition of figures and facial expressions. (Artists in America still enjoy freedom.)
Mostly I painted from memory (and knowledge of portraits) and the idea.
Many an American is concerned about what's going on today. Some defiant. Masses getting restless. Good. Me too (no hashtag).
A sure bet it is the presidents on Rushmore would be concerned, too.
Therefore, their stoned-faced visionary and confident expressions giving way in paint to the opposite - disappointment and concern; as in, 'what in the world is going on in our country?'
Mountain Men - American Giants
24 x 48 in.
acrylic on canvas
The painting is on the easel. I looked at it this morning for a while with critical eye. Facial expressions are so fleeting - so difficult to freeze. A fraction of an inch can change smile to sour. But nothing struck me as necessary to change. The intent is there.
I lost track of time wondering what these men - warrior each - might think of America right now?
Not happy, probably.
Our steam engine of commerce cannot endlessly idle.
Wars produce casualties.
We're in a war.
Yet the political psyche and policy is zero casualties.
Cautious?
Cowardly?
For not fighting to date - trillions of dollars down the drain and as many dreams devastated.
But that's another commentary.
Oh, for those groceries I paid cash - two of the four above on the bills. In change, the mug of another. No discount offered for the sneeze.
On a brighter note, maybe 'Mountain Men - Giants of Rushmore' goes viral.
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1 comment:
Good article as always Andy. But I have say you have a lot more patience and calmness than this colonel (former gunny). I'd a ripped the snezzer's head off, in words that is. Smiles.
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