ONE ARTIST’S RESPONSE TO THIS MONSTROUS MOMENT

THE PAINTER JON WALDO SHARES HIS TAKE ON THE TENOR OF THE TIMES

Published on March 1, 2026

An image from John Foster’s collection of vernacular photographs whose date and creator are unknown; its working title: “Looking Out.” Courtesy of the John and Teenuh Foster Collection of Vernacular Photography

by Jon Waldo

Editor’s note: Jon Waldo is a New York City-based painter who, while making his art, has spent many years working as a skilled carpenter and cabinet-maker on house-renovation and other construction projects. The father of three young-adult children, like many Americans, he feels a combined sense of frustration, anger, and helplessness in the face of the various political, economic, and social forces that are shaping our current historical moment, including the actions of a coterie of headline-making individuals who, as recent news reports have clearly shown, are members of a mostly wealthy, global elite that effectively rules the world.

A few days ago, in a routine e-mail exchange, Jon shared the following thoughts with me. They’re clearly stated, potent, and, as many readers may well agree, right on target. Here is what Jon wrote, below. — Edward M. Gómez

An image from John Foster’s collection of vernacular photographs whose date and creator are unknown; he has given it the working title “Go Away!” Courtesy of the John and Teenuh Foster Collection of Vernacular Photography

I have so many worries: my kids’ futures, our health, money issues, all the unpredictable expenses that inevitably pop up. There’s the local politics, which will affect New York City’s new mayor, old age — my body — World War III, and America’s new isolation in the world. Whack-greedy, whore politicians who could care less about us citizens. My ability to stay above the hateful divisions the media are constantly provoking. Rising costs for everything: food, energy, medical care, insurance, basic household repairs.

These days, I don’t believe in much except for what touches me spiritually. Trees, nature, mortality — they’re more real than all the greedy assholes fighting like rats in a bucket who then brag about their ability to shame and destroy us as they fuck everything up.

What so many of us are experiencing — sometimes it feels like a purposely created ball of confusion.

An image from John Foster’s collection of vernacular photographs whose date and creator are unknown; its working title: “Promised Land.” Courtesy of the John and Teenuh Foster Collection of Vernacular Photography

I was brought up in a Roman Catholic family but I’m not especially religious. Lately, though, I’ve been going infrequently to a Catholic shrine in Stockbridge, Massachusetts to light candles and pray. It started when a family member was sick but then I did it for other people I know. The last time I stopped by there, I finally included myself! Going there and taking part in that ritual makes me feel close to my now-deceased, Irish grandmother. Thinking about her devout belief offers a way in for me. It allows the place and its rituals to make some sense. Memories of this grandmother open up this tradition for me.

Right now, the world seems to be saying that ethics and morals are for suckers, that it’s winners and losers now, and that’s it. But I can’t — and won’t — let them win by destroying me spiritually. Fuck ’em. All of them!

That’s my two cents this morning.

The snow is melting here in the city.

Maybe a little hope for spring?

An image from John Foster’s collection of vernacular photographs whose date and creator are unknown; its working title: “Boy With Gun.” Courtesy of the John and Teenuh Foster Collection of Vernacular Photography

brutjournal is deeply grateful to John Foster for generously sharing the images that are reproduced here. They come from his large collection of vernacular photography.