A Task To Be Done: Oil on Canvas By Eric Buechel
- Eric Buechel
- Apr 18
- 3 min read
A Task At Hand
This project began during my time in Nashville, where I had the opportunity to observe a man engaged in the seemingly mundane yet essential task of using a power washer to clean the road. Accompanying him was a vehicle equipped with a sizable water tank, which provided the necessary resources for his work. What struck me most about this man was not just the physicality of his labor, but the evident joy he derived from it. As he methodically attended to the grime and dirt on the asphalt, I could easily envision him lost in his own world, perhaps singing or whistling a cheerful tune to accompany the rhythmic sound of the power washer. His complete immersion in the task at hand was a heartwarming sight, a reminder that there is beauty in diligence and pride in one’s work.
Regardless of the nature of the job, whether it be grand or humble, it’s crucial to approach it with a sense of responsibility and commitment. This painting is a significant piece within a broader series I have developed, which is centered around individuals engaged in various forms of work, with a particular focus on roadwork. This particular artwork, which serves as the inaugural piece of the series, was inspired directly by that moment in Nashville. It debuted at the Mason Fine Art Gallery in Atlanta, where it garnered immediate attention and was purchased by a notable collector who, in a remarkable turn of events, acquired eight pieces from my collection in a single day. This transaction marked a personal record for me, filling me with a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, knowing that my work was now in the hands of someone who truly appreciated it.
Typically, I find myself with ample time to reflect on my finished pieces, allowing me to contemplate their meanings and the emotions they evoke. However, this particular painting spent very little time in my studio before it found its new home. While selling art swiftly is generally a positive outcome, it also means that these creations, which I often view as extensions of myself, become part of someone else's life almost immediately. They may not be family in the traditional sense, yet parting with them can evoke a sense of loss, especially when the connection to the work is still fresh.
The title of this large oil on canvas painting is intentionally chosen to reflect the often-overlooked tasks carried out by individuals in our communities. These efforts, while essential, often fade into the background of our daily lives. We tend to notice their importance only when our streets are littered with debris or when potholes become large enough to disrupt our daily commutes. This painting aims to shine a light on the critical role played by those who strive to maintain the cleanliness and safety of our environment. It serves as a visual statement that these individuals work tirelessly and often without recognition, enabling the rest of us to enjoy a higher quality of life. In this artwork, I have captured one such person in Nashville, Tennessee, diligently performing his job while taking genuine pleasure in the work he does. It’s a celebration of labor, a tribute to the unsung heroes who keep our world running smoothly, and an invitation to appreciate the beauty in everyday tasks that often go unnoticed.
The Beauty in Everyday Tasks
By Eric Buechel
In morning light, the kettle sings,
As water dances, steam takes wings.
A simple brew, yet joy it brings,
In each small act, a melody clings.
The sweeping broom, a gentle grace,
It sweeps away the dust's embrace.
With every stroke, a clearer space,
Life’s rhythm found in this quiet race.
In chopping vegetables, colors bright,
A canvas formed, a feast in sight.
Each slice a note, a pure delight,
Harmony brewed, from day to night.
As laundry spins, the fabric twirls,
Fresh scents arise, like summer swirls.
In folding clothes, the heart unfurls,
Finding peace in the mundane pearls.
At day's end, the dishes clink,
A ritual shared, a moment to think.
In every task, a chance to link,
To find the beauty, in what we blink.
So cherish these moments, simple and small,
For in everyday tasks, there’s beauty for all.
Life’s tapestry woven, in each rise and fall,
In the heart of the mundane, we find our call.
Eric Buechel Fine Art
P. O. Box 277
Pleasant Hill, Tennessee 38578
931-881-7806
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