From Concept To Canvas

Warren Chang’s newest painting, Give Us Our Daily Bread, comes to fruition after years of development.

A good painting starts with an idea, as opposed to any random circumstance, whether from nature or a collection of photographs. This article is about a painting born from an idea, or more specific, a title, and how after years and through a meeting of minds, the painting was finally realized.

Sometimes, a painting starts with a title, much like a novel or film might begin. Several years ago, after completing a color study, a patron who was interested in acquiring the study, asked if they could change the title of the painting. Curious, I asked what that might be and she replied Give Us Our Daily Bread, a quote from the scriptures of the Bible. I was struck dumb with the words, as I felt these words better described the meaning of the painting more than I ever intended.

I am not a traditionally religious man, although I believe in the goodness and universal purpose that all religions seem to share. These words seemed to summarize a basic plight of man, a struggle simply for the sustenance and maintenance of life. Obsessed with these words, I decided to paint what was represented in these words.