These artworks are part of the Sustain series. To connect the themes in my project to the history of American vegetable gardening, especially the WWII era victory gardens, where Americans grew 60% of their produce during the war, Ivana creates artworks with a vintage aesthetic. She wants to evoke a sense of nostalgia for a time when more people grew food in the backyard and community gardens. Ivana innovated a technique using mixed media and digital photography image transfer on aluminum to create these unique artworks in warm tones that recall the historic tintype process. Subtle inclusions of the contemporary urban environment connect us from our past to our present and the artworks highlight a means to a more sustainable future. To learn more click here to read the full artist statement
Picking Chinese Eggplants in August
Picking Chinese Eggplants in August
You reach for a glossy purple Chinese eggplant and feel its smooth, firm skin as you clip it from the vine. Can you imagine the satisfying weight as you drop it into your harvest basket alongside its companions? Picture the sizzle as slender rounds hit a hot wok with garlic, or imagine them absorbing the rich flavors of Italian or Middle Eastern spices. Your mind is already planning tonight's meal as you pick the next eggplant waiting on the plant. The dark value of the purple eggplants with their glossy skin contrast against the light cream tones of the gardener in this composition. The smooth, luminous surface of the mixed media with photo transfer contrasts with the raw aluminum edges that frame this moment of abundant harvest. This artwork expresses the complete cycle from seed to table and the profound satisfaction that comes from cooking what you've grown with your own hands.
Envision this gratifying artwork in your kitchen or dining room, where it bridges the gap between garden and table. Guests ask about Chinese eggplants and share their favorite recipes, from stir-fries to baba ganoush to eggplant parmesan. The piece connects to that universal pleasure of transforming your harvest into delicious meals and the versatility of vegetables that adapt to any cuisine. This artwork celebrates the deep connection between growing and cooking and the abundance that feeds both body and soul.
“Asian Eggplants are a delight to grow in the garden because they are so delicious and never bitter. They easily cut into small bite-sized rounds and absorb whatever flavors you cook them in. I love to cook them in a wide range of cuisines because of their versatility.”
This signed and numbered limited edition mixed media 8" x10" artwork is part of the Sustain series, created with archival materials for lasting beauty. It is coated in an UV light protection spray. Only 20 will ever be handmade by Ivana. Due to the handmade process, expect the edges of the image to vary slightly. The watermark is only for internet display and will not be on your art. There is a slight surface texture which results in small highlights when photographed. If you need help to envison how it will look a free digital mockup is available so you can see exactly how it will look in your space before adding it to your collection. Contact Ivana for this service.
Currently no. 1/20 is available for you to enjoy.
