Acrylic polymer emulsion on gessoed hardboard, 12 x 12"
Created February 25 - March 5, 2008, #143
The title is based on a popular catchphrase that refers to the desire to be seen as being as good as one's neighbours or contemporaries using the comparative of social standards or accumulation of material stuff. The origin of the phrase is rooted in the once popular comic strip of the same name created by cartoonist Arthur R. "Pop" Momand. The strip debuted in 1913, ran in American newspapers for 28 years, and eventually was adapted into books, films and musical comedies.
In this still life reincarnation, I'm taking elements used in previous paintings and created a new composition. On the right of three of the bottles is a reflection of our fence that has lattice on top. I could have named it, Good fences make good neighbours from the Robert Frost poem, Mending Wall. I'll probably use that title in a future painting.
I first came across Jones Soda Pop in a Starbucks coffee shop during the late 1990's. The beverage came to market in 1994 and originates from western Canada. The images on the labels are submitted by the public, and if your lucky enough, you might end up on a bottle of Orange Cream Soda, Strawberry Lime, Blue Bubble Gum or Green Apple Soda. I'm a sucker for this type of products. It's like Pop Art meets pop culture.
-private collection
