Daddy & the 1949 john deere m

Artist Statement:

Part of the Larger Than Life: Stories in Paint series, Daddy and the 1949 John Deere captures a cherished moment from my father’s childhood, immortalizing both the spirit of his youth and the enduring legacy of my family’s agricultural roots. Based on an old photograph, the painting depicts my dad as a young boy perched on my grandfather’s 1949 John Deere M—fondly referred to as "the little tractor that could do anything."

For my dad, this tractor symbolizes resilience, resourcefulness, and the hard work that defined life on the family farm. Whether it was plowing fields, hauling loads, or performing countless other tasks, this unassuming piece of machinery became an essential part of their story.

Through brushstrokes and the grand scale of this piece, I aim to magnify the significance of what might seem like an ordinary moment, celebrating the connection between a boy, a tractor, and the values of determination and ingenuity that shaped our family. This artwork honors not only my dad’s memories but also the broader story of those who find meaning in the tools and traditions of their past.