DAILY BREAD
Howard Mason, Daily Bread
Oil on canvas, 76 × 50 cm
In Daily Bread, Howard Mason offers a meditative self-portrait that unites the physical act of kneading with spiritual reflection. The artist leans over a blue tabletop — a humble altar of daily ritual — his hands working the dough with a quiet intensity that evokes themes of creation, nourishment, and sharing. The composition carries a subtle Christian resonance, recalling the virgin's blue cloak the breaking of bread and the sanctity of labour. Like Giovanni Bellini’s early Renaissance devotional paintings, Mason employs the ledge as a device to both draw the viewer into the scene and also separate, bridging the space between art and witness. Through this intimate gesture, the painting becomes both a self-portrait and a contemporary act of contemplation — a moment where the sacred and the ordinary gently converge.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Contemporary artworks are generally easy to care for, but a few simple practices will help preserve them beautifully. Keep the piece away from direct sunlight, excessive humidity, or heat sources. Dust gently with a soft, dry cloth, and avoid using cleaning products on the surface. For works on paper or delicate media, professional framing with UV-protective glazing is recommended. If you ever have questions about conservation or display, we are happy to advise.
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Rebecca Meanly
Abstract Paintings