Something you might not know....

Grant Wood was born on an Iowa farm in 1891


In 1930 Grant Wood started working on the famous painting "American Gothic".
It all started when he was driving by a small house that had striking architecture. It was just a small house, but the artist was struck by the large Gothic-style window.
He sketched the window quickly with two figures standing in front of it.
When he got home he started thinking about who he wanted to paint in the place of the two sketched figures...he persuaded his 30 year old sister to pose along side of the 62 year old village dentist. They are supposed to represent a Father and daughter.

There is symbolism in this painting...
What objects in this painting hold meaning?
Tell me about it!




Starting with the woman, she is wearing the dark apron to represent the working class, small town life style.  Her expression, and lack of interest could be due to her being tired or worn down.
The farmer is wearing overalls and his black "Sunday's best" jacket. He is holding a pitchfork to symbolize American hard work and of protection.
The Gothic style window and the church steeple may stand for the importance of religion during this difficult period.

In 1929, the stock market had collapsed, which lead to the period called the Great Depression. People lost jobs, money, and their homes. The painting shows the more traditional and simpler times in America which was comforting to people in the country that were going through fearful and uncertain times.

(Check out some more interesting facts about Grant Wood and his famous painting, American Gothic..)
http://www.grantwoodartgallery.org/grantwood.htm

How would you alter this picture to make it your own?


Still having a structure in the background, what structure would you choose for the background?


Would you keep the same structure and change the focus in the foreground?


How could you re-enact this scene making it modern and meaningful to you, or to what is going on in the current events?


Here are some interesting examples of an altered "American Gothic" painting.....
https://picasaweb.google.com/103917620900573904797/GrantWood#slideshow/5698634642056561970