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
Harvesting Northeaster Polebeans in June
Harvesting Northeaster Polebeans in June
When you grow your own food, you discover moments of whimsical connection and playful abundance that make you smile. This artwork celebrates that delightful moment in June when your pole bean plants overflow with such bounty that you can tuck handfuls of crisp green pods into your pockets, your hands full of harvest. It honors the intimate harmony between your care for the earth and the generous response of nature, reminding you that growing food is not just work but also pure joy.
The monochromatic warm palette evokes a sense of nostalgia for the victory garden era when more people grew food in backyard and community gardens. Through thoughtful composition and lighting, this photograph captures the tactile pleasure of smooth bean pods, the weight of a successful harvest, and the verdant energy of a thriving organic garden at its peak. This celebration of midsummer abundance with dozens of fresh Northeaster pole beans spilling from jeans pockets emphasizes the everyday magic of stepping into your backyard and gathering armfuls of nourishment.
Envision this joyful artwork in your kitchen or dining space, where it becomes a daily celebration of garden abundance and the playful side of sustainable living. Your guests will smile when they see it, charmed by the whimsy of pockets overflowing with beans and inspired by the intimate connection it expresses between gardener and garden. This piece reminds you year-round of those precious June mornings when your harvest is so generous you can barely carry it all. It's perfect for foodies, gardeners, and anyone who finds delight in the simple pleasures of growing their own food.
“This artwork was inspired by my husband’s laughter. He came home from work and I was out in the garden. I had forgotten to bring a gathering basket with me. I had no idea that I would discover an abundance of beans and he laughed when he found me stuffing beans in my pockets! He said you should make this into a photograph, so I did.”
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. 2/20 is available for you to enjoy.
