WORK(s) is a series of original works on paper by Patterns founder Cory Bonnet that reflects on Pittsburgh's rich industrial history, its role in shaping the American story, and its potential to lead the way forward. Created with India ink, pigment, and charcoal on raw butcher paper, the series represents a return to Cory's roots in drawing.
Pieces like "Open Hearth," "Carrie Furnace," and "Making Mountains - Slag Train" don't simply depict a place. They honor the people who built Western Pennsylvania and the labor that defined a generation.
The choice of butcher paper connects to the artist's broader practice of working with salvaged and reclaimed materials, treating the overlooked and discarded as worthy of preservation.
Art Comes Alive in the Classroom
The series doesn't stop at the gallery wall. As Director of the Patterns Initiative, Cory brings this work directly into educational settings, using these pieces as teaching tools to connect students to history, craft, and creative expression. The same images that invite collectors to reflect on Pittsburgh's industrial past are also sparking conversations in classrooms, bridging art, history, and hands-on learning.
America at 250
This series also aligns with America 250 initiatives, which commemorate the nation's upcoming 250th anniversary by honoring the contributions and moments that shaped the United States. Pittsburgh's steel industry is central to that story, and Cory's work demonstrates that understanding where we came from is inseparable from imagining where we are going.
Own a Piece of the Story
Original works from the series are available for purchase. The collection includes over twenty pieces ranging from intimate works perfect for a home or office to large-scale pieces that command a room. Several works are framed and ready to hang.
"End of the Line"