Joseph Harrison Snyder
In our article about the Johnson City Farmers Market, we mention talking to Judah and Alma about the vegetables they were selling. Their mother made sure to tell us that the children’s father was nearby, working on his art, and she suggested we speak with him. It didn’t disappoint. The story was worth its own article, so here it is.
As we approached his display, two things became clear: this man is a talented artist who creates distinctive and meaningful art, and he loves the place and culture where he lives. His prints showcase local landmarks, architecture, and culture, all rendered in a vibrant and distinctive style that is uniquely his own. The first print that caught our eye depicts two Dr. Enuf bottles framing a Pal’s Sudden Service restaurant.
For readers outside the Appalachian region where these drinks are manufactured, Dr. Enuf is a popular beverage with vitamins. It was introduced in 1949 and remains a well-liked product. Pal’s Sudden Service is a fast-food restaurant known for its quick service and affordable meals.
It wasn’t long before our attention was drawn to something much more complex and mysterious at Mr. Snyder’s display. It became even more intricate and fascinating as he explained its meaning and purpose and why he created it. This print is titled: “Plowman’s Calendar”.
We won’t attempt to describe the print in words, as it’s impossible to do better than Mr. Snyder himself. He was very kind to take the time to explain its meaning and to give us a copy to include in this article. Here is what he explained to us in his own words:
“The calendar displays every day of the year in a circular format.
At the quarter points are the equinox and the solstice. And in the pendentives, the still lifes indicate that you need to plant peas early. When asparagus comes up, strawberries are picked at the end of May.
Through all of the vegetables of the year, I mean, you’ve got October beans, sweet potatoes, the long, long, long haul for Brussels sprouts. Till you get to winter when there is mistletoe, turnips, and garlic. Now, the round rules progress from morning in spring, noon in summer, evening in fall by the shadows, to midnight in winter.
Every print that I sell of these comes with four wires on the back. And we, like my children, moved it to summer on the 21st of June. And we will do the same again in the fall.
The exchange meets here. This happened by accident, step by step. First, it was a painting.
I painted this, which is a four-by-four sheet of plywood that had something else on it by someone else. I painted over it on a whim in the middle of the winter, and painted the four trees around the globe. Then, adding the Tennessee horizon around the edge.
They had to change seasons. And I asked my children if they could guess where their birthdays were relative to that. I put tracing paper over it and found that the numbers would fit.
So, every other step developed from that. Right up to the corners. There’s a corn seed there, a squash seed there, a grain seed there.”
Hearing him explain everything and seeing him point to the elements he was discussing was impressive, highlighting the considerable thought that went into this piece. This man is clearly both a genius and a talented artist. He has painted some images that are both beautiful and meaningful.
We want to thank Mr. Snyder for taking the time to explain and for the outstanding work he does. It wouldn’t surprise anyone if this man were to become a local legend.
Joseph Harrison Snyder is a full-time artist who has returned to his native Tennessee after many years in Washington, D.C., where he also found inspiration for his art. He mainly sells his paintings and prints at various venues across Upper East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia, as well as occasionally at Eastern Market on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.
Snyder’s work is deeply rooted in the places and cultures he experiences. While he documents his adopted home of Washington, D.C. with a keen eye for its classical beauty, quirky charm, history, and people, he also dedicates a significant part of his portfolio to capturing the essence of the Appalachian region.
His artistic process often involves layers of meaning and personal connection, making his work both visually compelling and intellectually stimulating.
Joseph Harrison Snyder is available for commissioned paintings. He can be found at various festivals and markets, which he usually announces on social media.
His website: https://www.josephharrisonsnyder.com/
His Facebook page is “Joe Snyder, Artist”
