Harry McCormick (1942 – ) is an American and primarily self-taught painter. He often focuses on individuals in solitary contemplation in public places such as a diner. He is also known for his near photorealism and his treatment of light and shadow. His work is somewhat reminiscent of both the Dutch Masters who were masterful at painting interior light and of Edward Hopper who often painted a new definition of isolation with people who are near to others but not interacting. They are alone together. The two figures painted in Empire Diner are cases in point.

Our eyes are filled to overflowing by the details of this piece. The details of tile texture and shiny stools, of reflections on freezer doors and bottles on a high shelf move us through this space from the crowded centered stripe of light to the relatively less crowded darkness above and below. The details speak to our memories and our imaginations. We might feel that we could join these two people or imagine that we have been to just such a diner.

This is a power of visual art – the power to transport us in location and in emotion, to challenge us and teach us. There is a possible lesson painted here. It seems a gospel lesson, a Lenten lesson. The man who owns the one bright color in this dark place could easily turn around and brighten the day of another. He could just turn and bring more light into a room. We all can. In God’s name we pray to turn.

In gratitude, faith and hope,

Sandy Prouty
Minister of Children and Families
Montview Church