“You can be powerful and kind,” artist Eric Rewitzer told Time Magazine.
Rewitzer was referring to an illustration he and his wife, Annie Galvin, made in response to the Trump presidency. The piece is a linocut of a ferocious grizzly bear showing its fangs. Bright, painted poppies bloomed at its feet.
Using the words of California legislature in response to Trump winning the election, the accompanying quote to the illustration reads: “California was not a part of this nation when its history began. But we are clearly now the keeper of its future.”
Obviously, the Trump presidency has sent tremors through many communities. At the SF-based art space that Rewitzer and Galvin started in 2006 – 3 Fish Studios – the duo have always included an element of activism in their art.
Their work is heavily influenced by their surroundings—Rewitzer is originally from Michigan and Galvin from Ireland, but both say they unequivocally consider California their true home.
The two often work collaboratively – Rewitzer primarily working with linocuts and Galvin with paint. They’re well-known for their illustration of a grizzly bear embracing California, shrouded by poppies, ‘I love you California’ written delicately across the top.
After the North Bay fires in October, that image became a symbol of resilience. The two decided to dedicate all profits from the illustration to help fire victims. Within a few days, they raised more than $100,000.
These two are what we consider true Californians – resilient, diverse, and creative as hell.
Feature photo: SFGate / Leslie Lindell Photography
