Portraits of Industry

The fourteen paintings reviewed in this study chronicle industrial artist Howard L. Worner's interpretation of the steel industry. By employing ethnographic techniques to his art, Worner contributed much to the understanding of the 'culture of work.' Worner identified closely with the occupational community he was painting by becoming an observer as well as a participant. Over time, he developed a rapport with the community and an acute understanding of its environmental processes. Worner used vibrant color, on-location painting, and a deep understanding of his subject to powerfully depict the rich culture of the steel mills. This book will provide students of art education a better understanding of the genre through artistic ethnography and interpretation, as well as an excellent overview of industrial art.