Easily, one of my favorite things about living in these times is that when you can see art and commerce come together in a beautiful, yet meaningful way it can be just like “magic.” I’ve always felt that the two could exist simultaneously, like Murakami says, there is a “changing of the line” where the two worlds can now “blend.” Simply, this means that art isn’t reserved for a certain class but can be enjoyed and appreciated by everyone. These wine bottle designs created by James Jean for The Greatful Palate prove just that; how keeping in the tradition of James Jean’s artistic style while still addressing the concerns of the brand leads to a deeper understanding and appreciation of both.
Here are the 3 sets of James Jean wine bottles along with an explanation of the idea behind each.
“Southern Belle” was created to resemble fine china. One tradition of Southern Gothic literature is to subvert traditional stereotypes of the antebellum period. The element of hypocrisy plays a huge role in these characters. I also have an interest in exploring gender issues, though subtly, in much of my work. The first bottle is the “promiscuous belle” wielding her deadly charms on her suitors, the second bottle is the “mourning belle” with all the skeletons of the past emerging from under her dress, and the last bottle is the “homemaker”, who tries to contain and control appearances on the estate as if it were a doll house.”
“Poor Thing” depicts a forest populated by a trio of characters representing thwarted desires, draped with kudzu. A bloated cupid draws back his bow, perhaps in an effort to protect the angel from a hound that has become a hunter. Meanwhile, the oak trees are weeping while witnessing this sad romance, redolent of the heat and humidity of the South.”
“The “gut bucket” blues became the inspiration for the “Didley Bow” series. I always liked the idea that music could be cobbled together from the simplest of materials, so the characters are all connected to something elemental, if not being elemental themselves. Being somewhat of an amateur musician, I used colors that were evocative of the music, acidic yellows and reds, in addition to bruised purples in the line work.” These wines are finally available at $39.95 per bottle, and you can purchase them by contacting the Grateful Palate’s retail manager, Tim Coles, at 707.673-9339, or by email, [email protected] Which one is your favorite? Do you agree with my point on view about commerce and art?
h/t: [The Dieline]