This 1987 acrylic on canvas still life is by New York artist Alfonso "Al" Giella (1912-2003). Giella was known for his diverse and prolific body of work, which includes drawings, paintings, assemblages, and collages. Born in Paterson, New Jersey, Giella developed an early passion for art, frequenting New York museums and dedicating himself to drawing and painting. Though his career spanned advertising, film animation, and the textile industry, including a significant role in the denim industry of the 1970s, his true creative legacy lies in his fine art.
In 1955, Giella and his wife Ruth purchased a home in Los Angeles designed by R.M. Schindler, a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright, reflecting their deep appreciation for modernist design. After retiring to Tucson, Arizona, in 1984, Giella focused on his artistic pursuits, continuing to create art and write poetry. Though he rarely sought public recognition, his work was occasionally featured in gallery shows in Tucson and at Catamount Arts in Vermont.