The Episcopal Men’s Dinner, 1988, is a notable example of the style self-taught painter Jessie Homer French refers to as “regional narrative.” Through her stylized compositions, she refracts the peculiarities of the American landscape through the prism of her lived experiences, often including depictions of native flora and fauna. Most of her works depict the California mountains she calls home but others, like the present example, are the results of Homer French’s travels through other regions of the country.
"I paint my life, my stuff. I really really care about the painting turning out. I'm really upset when it doesn't. But I don't feel any need to communicate. I'm sorry. That's not the point."
- Jessie Homer French
A group of men in suits gather around the porch of the Catalpa House, a colonial-style bed and breakfast located in Rensselaerville, New York. The foreground depicts a meticulously kept garden full of flowers while the rolling hills of the Catskills serve as a dramatic backdrop for the scene.
The composition of the work mimics the aura of group photographs, intended to capture, preserve and commemorate special events. The strong delineations, restrained color palette and flattened perspective generate an idyllic atmosphere reminiscent of folk art that has become synonymous with Homer French’s oeuvre. Her ability to distill the essence of spaces and moments embellishes her works with a jolt of lifelike dynamism.
In line with the self-taught essence of Homer French’s work, proceeds from this lot will be used for the construction of an art studio and gallery with the goal of inspiring future artists and kindling a connection to the arts.
Born in 1940, Homer French's work has been the subject of solo exhibitions at Bergen Kunsthall, Massimo di Carlo, London and Various Small Fires at the Los Angeles, Dallas and Seoul locations. She participated in the 59th Venice Biennale in 2022 and her work is held in the permanent collections of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington, D.C., the Dallas Museum of Art and the Palm Springs Art Museum.
