VAM galleries including this work:
The Kentucky Library and Museum | Seeing Red | Young at Art || VAM Home

This contemporary work by African-American artist Alice Gatewood Waddell reflects a part of Bowling Green-area history as well as the region’s cultural diversity. Strawberries were a major cash crop in Southcentral Kentucky in the first half of the 20th century (in fact, Warren County once advertised itself as the Strawberry Capital of the World), and women and children found work picking them. This piece presents a rather unusual perspective, making it appear that the viewer is looking from the ground up. It uses repetition of artistic elements such as pattern, color, and shape. There is also an implication of motion, as if the wind is blowing.

About the Artist

Alice Gatewood Waddell is a native of Bowling Green, Kentucky, whose work is displayed in numerous galleries around the United States. Primarily known for her mixed-media designs, she seeks to incorporate positive images regarding family, unity, and spiritual celebration that both move and inspire the viewer of her works. Gatewood Waddell obtained her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Western Kentucky University, with a concentration in painting.

Classroom Ideas

Discussion: How has the artist used the elements of art and principles of design in this work? What do the colors tell us? Look at other works by this artist online. Does she work in a specific “palette”? How are pattern, shape, color, and perspective distinctive in her work? What do you think the title of this work means?

Activity: Strawberry Delight presents a seasonal composition. Its blue sky, blowing breeze, and crisp colors evoke a feeling of warmth. Think about your favorite season. What do you like best about it? Create a painting of a scene from your favorite season. Remember that your palette should help your viewers identify what season you are trying to portray.

Links

Read a biography of Gatewood Waddell and see samples of her work at the E&S Gallery.
[www.eandsgallery.com/waddellpage.htm]

A profile of Gatewood Waddell, with more examples of her work, is archived on the Western Kentucky University Libraries Newsletter web pages.
[www.wku.edu/library/c&c/spring_04/headliners.htm]

While visiting WKU online, you can also see photos of the artist taken at a March 2004 speaking engagement at the Bowling Green Barnes & Noble.
[www.wku.edu/library/events/kylive/kyartist/]