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
Planting Aji Amarillo Pepper in May
Planting Aji Amarillo Pepper in May
You hold the vigorous pepper seedling in your hands and marvel at the healthy root ball you've nurtured from seed since January. Can you imagine the smooth, glossy leaves catching the spring light as delicate roots peek through the soil? Picture the earthy smell rising as you nestle this plant into its permanent home, already anticipating the golden yellow Aji Amarillo peppers that will ripen months from now. The vibrant pepper seedling held prominently contrasts against the background of newly planted garden beds in this warm-toned composition. The smooth, luminous surface of the mixed media photo transfer contrasts with the raw aluminum edges that frame this moment of careful planting. This artwork expresses the patient journey from seed to harvest and how travel inspires us to grow the flavors we've discovered far from home.
Envision this inspiring artwork in your kitchen or dining room, where it celebrates the dedication required to grow specialty varieties from seed. You get to share the story behind the artwork and guests share their own stories of incorporating new foods discovered on travels into cooking at home. The piece connects to that universal satisfaction of successfully growing something exotic and the way travel expands both our gardens and our palates. This artwork celebrates the patience of the gardener and the culinary adventures that begin with a single seed.
“We first tried Aji Amarillo peppers in Peru. They are a sweet and medium hot peppers that are very delicious. After our travels my husband and I started growing our own Aji Amarillo peppers. The first year we started them indoors in January and nurtured them carefully. When it was time to plant them I was so impressed with the vigor of the delicate root balls that I documented the exciting moment when my husband nestled them into the earth.”
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.
