One of my favorite contemporary works from our permanent collection is a painting by Ft. Worth Artist Nancy Lamb. Are you familiar with her work? If not, I think you’re about to fall in love, but first, let me introduce you to the artist.
Nancy Lamb was born in 1956 and formally trained at Texas Christian University and the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, where she taught ceramics from 1970 to 2004. Her main styles of work include drawing, oil painting, and watercolors.
Almost all of Nancy's work is extremely human-centric. These oddball portraits reflect parties, poker tables, pools, and laundry rooms! The pops of color are always noticeable and also an interesting frame of reference or cropping. I think this quote by Jeffery Jackson sums up her work perfectly, “Most notable are her recent oil paintings, which depict every aspect of social interaction, telling snapshot tales of interpersonal intrigue which entice the viewer to partake in the events so vividly portrayed—who are these people? What do they mean to each other? What do they tell us about the human condition? Her characters, though nameless, haunt one after first acquaintance; they are our friends, our neighbors, our families, ourselves, thrust under the microscope in a way which rather brings to mind what Martians might see when they look at us. As Ezra Pound once challenged writers to "make it new", never perhaps has a modern artist done so for that most ordinary of subjects—man.”
Back in 2010, Nancy’s work was exhibited in the OJAC Cell Series- which showcases Texas or Texas-connected contemporary artists. Her show was entitled “The Business of Pleasure.” She was actually one of the first artists who got to work upstairs freely in the jail as 5th installment in the series and that exhibit still stands as a museum staff favorite to this day. Judson Petty, nephew of our founder Reilly Nail wrote of the exhibit: “.. Lamb gives homage to the people who make the merriment happen. These are the waiters, the bartenders, the musicians and other performers who strive to secure the satiation of such"bacchanalian bon vivants." Enter this exhibit with joyous anticipation, and plan to leave enlivened and grateful. In these new watercolors and earlier oils, the textures taunt you, the colors caress you, and you will only want more. And later, if you wish, write a quick thank-you note to Nancy Lamb, for she is the host who has served you with delight.”
Let me introduce you to a work from that show- that is now a part of the museum’s permanent collection: Slurpy, Syrupy, Strawberry Swirler! What immediately drew me to this watercolor are the vibrant pops of color. Like most of her work, this one is as colorful and engaging as the artist. Lamb is a big and bright personality who doesn’t seem afraid to put big color on a canvas. Also, the unusual framing of the piece just draws you in, right? The perspective is so engaging. I love how you can examine the body language of our subjects, but not see their face. It almost feels as if I am at a corporate dinner or Holiday party.
It’s also an interesting interaction between “business man” and waiter which Lamb explored in this show, she wrote “I have been contemplating this dynamic for about ten years. There is a whole other group of people that attend the same occasions inside the same structures, but with a completely different purpose and attitude, yet they are essential to the success of the celebration. What attracts me to the people in the background are their uniforms, their helpfulness and hard work. They need their time in the limelight as well! Isn't it the kitchen or bar that holds the most magnetic allure and comfortable fascination at a party?”
All of these concepts come together to create this beautiful piece of work that is multifaceted at every level of interpretation.
Kirsten Hahn
Family & Public Programs Coordinator