Gabriel Mark Lipper Painting
Jacksonville’s Art Amble induced me to make what appeared to be an impulse buy, even though I was quite familiar with the oil painting in question. Created in Yelapa, Mexico, it features a peasant woman sweeping a street. I fell in love with her the moment I saw the piece.
She and I were first introduced last summer, when visiting friends stayed at Élan Guest Suites. As I rounded the corner on my way to their suite, a small work of art spoke to me from an alcove just outside their door. I studied the street-sweeping woman for a long moment, transfixed by the sense of peace she emanated as she went about her simple task. She embodied the dignity of work.
I visited her often whenever other friends stayed at Élan. Over time I got to know her well – the gentle sway of her dress, the curve of her arms holding the broom, her serviceable sandals and most especially, the look of both intention and contentment on her face. She was doing her best work, quietly and unobtrusively.
This image has more than casual meaning for me. I serve on the Board of Directors of TrueBlue, Inc., which places 300,000 blue-collar workers into temporary jobs annually. They are grateful for the opportunity to work, even if it is just for a day. Whenever I visit one of our branches, people inevitably tell me their stories. They have one theme in common: “When you gave me a chance to work, my life got better. I’ll keep doing my best, whatever the task. I won’t let you down.”
We do more than find jobs for men and women. We affirm their worth along with helping them pay their bills. In fact, I have come to realize that we affirm their worth first and only secondarily help them pay their bills. We change lives by putting people to work. It’s that simple and that profound.
That notion takes me back to Jacksonville and the Art Amble. I had gone specifically to Élan Gallery to view Gabriel Lipper’s plein air paintings of the Rogue River Valley. Gabriel is an exceptionally talented artist and, not incidentally, the son of Élan owner Cherie Reneau, who has placed his arresting pieces throughout the guest suites upstairs. As Gabriel and I chatted, I couldn’t resist telling him how much I loved his evocative painting of the woman sweeping the street.
“It’s one of my favorites as well,” he replied. “I painted it on my honeymoon.” He smiled. “Obviously, I was feeling great.” Then a pause. “It’s for sale, you know.” “It is?” I responded incredulously. “I thought it was part of a permanent collection. I never imagined I could buy it!” I purchased the painting on the spot.
She is home with me now. I haven’t decided yet in which room she will reside. But I know it will be in a location where I can gaze at her often, celebrating the satisfaction and artistry of a job well done.
Gates McKibbin moved to Jacksonville after working and living in the Bay Area for three decades as a consultant to major corporations. This column contains her musings about this remarkable community and her new life far away from the fast lane.