"In '38, this time I did a job for Mr. Stryker. I went on his payroll at about half the salary I was getting before, to cover what he called Harvest in Ohio"
About this Quote
Ben Shahn's quote, "In '38, this time I did a job for Mr. Stryker. I went on his payroll at about half the wage I was getting before, to cover what he called Harvest in Ohio", offers a glimpse into a specific period in the United States throughout the late 1930s, defined by financial challenge and transformative social projects.
In 1938, the United States was still climbing out of the Great Depression, and artists frequently struggled to find work. Ben Shahn, an American artist renowned for his social commentary through art, found an opportunity with Mr. Stryker-- most likely a referral to Roy Stryker, who headed the photographic area of the Farm Security Administration (FSA). The FSA was a New Deal agency produced to combat rural poverty, and it initiated a documentary photography project that aimed to represent the challenges and strength of American farmers. Shahn's involvement in this task indicates that he belonged to a bigger movement to use art and photography to shed light on societal concerns.
By discussing that he accepted "about half the income" he formerly earned, Shahn highlights the monetary sacrifices artists often made in pursuit of work that aligned with their values or provided a more comprehensive societal impact. Despite the pay cut, the deal with Stryker was most likely appealing due to its significance and the imaginative autonomy it provided.
The expression "Harvest in Ohio" recommends a particular assignment within the bigger FSA effort. Ohio, an agriculturally rich state, was a centerpiece for documenting the successes and battles of the farming neighborhood. Shahn's task would have been to aesthetically catch the human stories behind the harvest, showing both the laborious nature of farm work and the spirit of those included.
In essence, this quote encapsulates a minute in Shahn's profession where he selected function over pay, contributing to an important historical record of America throughout a time of significant economic and social change.
