Julia

I've been working on this piece for the Brave100 exhibition. My amazing friend, Jennifer Braverman, is curating the group show in association with Vision2020: Women 100, A National Celebration of American Women. 

Since I'm still obsessed with food, I decided to create an alternative portrait of Julia Child. Julia's kitchen is enshrined in the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History and was one of my favorite displays when we visited. The contrast of the pale blue/teal peg board with her beautiful copper pots is an artist's dream. Julia's impact on the American kitchen is undeniable and her pot display/storage system felt like the perfect image to represent her.

I enjoy the irony in my selection of Julia as the person to depict for a celebration of women over the last 100 years. Many might suggest that a woman who is associated with the kitchen isn't progressive or representative of the impact women have had on America in the past 100 years. However, I would argue that Julia's work helped to break down barriers for women in the professional culinary world - barriers which unfortunately still exist today. Beyond that, she brought elegance to the work of the home chef, elevating the palette of countless American families. 

Legendary cook and teacher Julia Child (1912–2004) had a tremendous impact on food and culinary history in the United States. Through dozens of books and television series, which spanned forty years, she encouraged people to care about food and cooking. She inspired many Americans to conquer their fears of the unfamiliar and to expand their ideas about ingredients and flavors, tools and techniques, and meals in general.

Julia. Oil on Canvas, 24x30"