Karin Jurick: Sumsumsummatime

I am not familiar with the climate in Atlanta, Georgia, but, according to the palette in this decorative piece, I would have to say - it is pretty hot and humid in the American south. The red and the green of the strawberries is significantly toned down by shades of black and dark orange, as if the berries are being literally weighed down by condensed heat. Though these black areas are only shadows, it is they that define the atmosphere. The reflection of the sunlight on the white plate and the fruit (I gather the light source is natural, because of the extremely sharp white/black contrast) is almost blinding, evoking summer haze. Thick, sumptuous brush strokes also contribute to a sense of a difficult hot weather.

Yet the subject of this still life also suggests a way of relief from the blazing summer heat. Half a strawberry positioned near the lower edge of the board absorbs most of the light, while repelling most of the darker hues: finish this fruit, and you will feel better. For me, this painting projects the struggle people lead with extreme weather conditions. There are moments when the heat is almost unbearable but, there is always something delicious to make one pass through the day.

Karin Jurick is a working artist from Atlanta, Georgia.