Gather round, everyone! Please, join me around the table. I've brought some food for us to eat as we discuss some more art this month. As you can see, I've baked a delicious turkey along with mashed potatoes, stuffing, pumpkin pie and even brought some cranberry sauce and gravy. I hope you're all hungry! This month's piece is called Freedom from Want from Norman Rockwell. It is an oil on canvas piece. Here, I brought a copy of it. Just don't smudge it with your cranberry sauce fingers.
I think it's important to know that Norman Rockwell once said, "I paint life as I would like it to be." This is a phrase that applies especially to the piece that we will be admiring today. You see, this work on Freedom from Want depicts what an ideal Thanksgiving meal would look like. It is most likely what many of you have pictured in your head when you think of Thanksgiving. This specific time of the year is most known for its message of being grateful for what you have been given and for those that surround you. I think in the painting we can see how this family is gathered around the table grateful to be in each other's presence. I know that it can often be hard to find time to gather with your family all at once. Everyone leads such busy lives. So, when November comes around we surround ourselves with those we love.
Norman Rockwell was actually inspired by President Franklin Roosevelt's address to Congress in 1941. For those unfamiliar, this was during the time of World War II. This speech addressed four basic rights: Freedom of Speech, Worship, Fear, and Want. It was important for President Franklin Roosevelt to speak about the Freedom of Want due to the difficult times being faced. It should also be noted that this piece is part of Four Freedom paintings, each depicting the different wants. This one, in particular, is the third in the installation. The painting he created with Freedom from Want is as the title states. If you look closely at the painting you can see three generations of the family gathered together at the dinner table during this special occasion. Norman Rockwell wanted to promote the concept of being surrounded by people you love in a time of happiness.
I hope that you can take away the same message that Norman was trying to promote. I hope that this Thanksgiving you are able to surround yourself with family or friends you call family. I hope that you remember what you are thankful for. I also hope you've enjoyed the meal I have prepared. I can't promise I'll bring baked goods next month...
Thank you for tuning in this month with me! This is Camila over and out!