Jerry grew up knowing he had family in Ireland and remains in frequent contact with relatives from County Mayo. He visits them often.
"Back in the 40's and 50's, Irish times were hard. People were going without, and so my parents would send tea, coffee, coats and such—whatever they could. My Irish family still remembers that and remains grateful. But God knows they’d have done the same for us. Strong bonds formed. There is such a welcoming each time I visit. We are family in the truest sense of the word."
"In Ireland the people are the beauty. I mean, the landscapes are lovely, but the people are so nice, cordial, decent and full of quiet grace. My mother would tell stories about Friday night dances, but never once mentioned that she had to walk 11 miles to get there, each way. It’s just what you did."
"I guess, in painting Ireland, I am drawn to capturing the past there, too. It’s going away. All the years I’ve gone back and forth, times have changed, places are gone, people have passed on."
"So, for myself and for other Irish Americans who hope to visit their ancestral land one day, I make bridges. It is gratifying when people tell me how much the paintings bring them back or introduce them to a place that feels like home."
"Back in the 40's and 50's, Irish times were hard. People were going without, and so my parents would send tea, coffee, coats and such—whatever they could. My Irish family still remembers that and remains grateful. But God knows they’d have done the same for us. Strong bonds formed. There is such a welcoming each time I visit. We are family in the truest sense of the word."
"In Ireland the people are the beauty. I mean, the landscapes are lovely, but the people are so nice, cordial, decent and full of quiet grace. My mother would tell stories about Friday night dances, but never once mentioned that she had to walk 11 miles to get there, each way. It’s just what you did."
"I guess, in painting Ireland, I am drawn to capturing the past there, too. It’s going away. All the years I’ve gone back and forth, times have changed, places are gone, people have passed on."
"So, for myself and for other Irish Americans who hope to visit their ancestral land one day, I make bridges. It is gratifying when people tell me how much the paintings bring them back or introduce them to a place that feels like home."