What do you think?
Rate this book
300 Mason Jars: Preserving History
A charming art book exploring universal themes of family through 300 watercolour paintings of objects "preserved" in Mason jars.
The fragmented history of one family’s hope, challenge, failure, and persistence is beautifully depicted in this book of watercolour images by artist Joanne Thomson. Combining still-life painting with visual storytelling, Thomson presents everyday artifacts—from flowers to fruits, tools to toys, and photographs to farm equipment—and places them in, on, beside, or behind a glass jar.
Carefully gathered from the artist’s family members and the natural environments where they lived, the simple objects in this collection represent the depth and complexity of daily life. Arranged thematically, the pieces explore traditional gender roles, the issue of food security in times of scarcity, renewal and hope presented by the bounty of nature, treasures passed down through generations, and the looming presence of family secrets. Beautiful to look at and infinitely fascinating to ponder over, 300 Mason Jars is a stunning addition to any art lover’s library.
The fragmented history of one family’s hope, challenge, failure, and persistence is beautifully depicted in this book of watercolour images by artist Joanne Thomson. Combining still-life painting with visual storytelling, Thomson presents everyday artifacts—from flowers to fruits, tools to toys, and photographs to farm equipment—and places them in, on, beside, or behind a glass jar.
Carefully gathered from the artist’s family members and the natural environments where they lived, the simple objects in this collection represent the depth and complexity of daily life. Arranged thematically, the pieces explore traditional gender roles, the issue of food security in times of scarcity, renewal and hope presented by the bounty of nature, treasures passed down through generations, and the looming presence of family secrets. Beautiful to look at and infinitely fascinating to ponder over, 300 Mason Jars is a stunning addition to any art lover’s library.
- GenresArt
256 pages, Hardcover
Published October 29, 2024
17 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
May 18, 2025
I finally got this book from the library! I ordered it and then missed picking it up twice. Then there it was on the new arrivals shelf. Hooray!
To start with a John Berger quote and then give me 300 watercolor paintings and poems is perfection. I will buy this book because I have to figure out how to paint a mason jar. This book is brilliant.
"I quickly became fascinated with painting glass, and the distortions glass causes to the objects seen through it."
Really inspiring as I think of ways to blend watercolors and writing. It's possible!
To start with a John Berger quote and then give me 300 watercolor paintings and poems is perfection. I will buy this book because I have to figure out how to paint a mason jar. This book is brilliant.
"I quickly became fascinated with painting glass, and the distortions glass causes to the objects seen through it."
Really inspiring as I think of ways to blend watercolors and writing. It's possible!
October 27, 2025
Enjoyed the images and poetry; nostalgia of time spent with my grandmother.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews