Snap On Tools
by Kate Savage
acrylic, graphite, and ink on panel
45" x 52"
I admire the way Snap On Tools brand has changed with the times, while maintaining its core values of providing exceptional, American-made products and personal service to their mechanic clients. The company’s stance of overarching support for those who work with their hands is appealing to me as an artist, because I also highly value this kind of work. As a woman, I appreciate that Snap On Tools has encouraged mechanics to gain the trust of their female clients, and has let their “girlie” calendars become a thing of the past. These initiatives are timely, as young women are increasingly encouraged to enter this “man’s world,” due to a dearth of young mechanics entering the marketplace.
With a nod to Social Realism, this painting portrays a female character of my invention, Flora, on whom I have based a series of previous works. Like the Snap On logo, she leans forward into the future she is creating for herself. She makes progress toward the American dream, intrepid in spite of obstacles that may be in her way. An evolution of the Snap On calendar girls of the past, Flora has a bright-eyed optimism, and she won’t shrink from hard work or challenges.