Jackson Pollock Wearing a Wristwatch While Painting





























As a prelude to the poem below, I remind you, Jackson Pollock was not an easel painter. His paint was oil-based, soupy, house paint. Such paint was ruled by gravity and Pollock's gestures. In addition to his intended target:the canvas; anything nearby was destined to be splattered with what I call: Over-Splatter. Stray drips inevitably landed on the floor, walls, other finished paintings, and his own skin as well as anything he might be wearing while he painted. A wristwatch would have been in the path. Therefore, it made no sense for him to wear a timepiece as he worked. It would get sprinkled, until one would be unable to tell what time it was. So, this little poem relates to the absurdity of Jackson Pollock wearing a wristwatch while painting his largest 1950 canvases. I suspect, as there are plenty of other images of Pollock without a watch, that he must have had a reason to wear a the timepiece during this photoshoot. Certainly Hans Namuth arranged to meet Pollock at a particular time. Therefore, it made sense that Jackson made an exception to watch the tiny clock on his wrist. There was no electricity in the studio and no clock on the wall.


Enjoy the poem. ..................................................................







Pollock’s Wristwatch


I have looked at many photographs of Jackson Pollock.
Few images show him wearing a wristwatch.
There is no clock on the wall of his studio.
Does he wear a wristwatch while he paints because there is
no wall clock reminding him of dinner time?
Does Lee get mad if he is late for a meal?


He wears a black t-shirt, black jeans,
and a wristwatch only in the studio.
Why not a hat and a cape?


What time is it in Jackson’s studio?
Does he have an appointment with a bucket of black paint?
White paint and a stick or turkey baster?


Is his wristwatch another prop suggested by the photographer?
Does it make him look more serious to wear it strapped
to his left wrist, like a busy businessman?


Is a watch on his arm shorthand for business suit and tie?


It is not likely a Rolex.


More probably nothing more valuable than a Timex.
If he were alive today he could certainly afford that Rolex.
























And just in case you imagine he always wore a watch in the studio...........





























Photo credits: top and middle by Hans Namuth.
Bottom image by Martha Holmes, Life Magazine.

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