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
Purple Top Turnips in June
Purple Top Turnips in June
You know that joy in your chest when you anticipate cooking a delicious dish from your garden or the farmers market? Can you imagine the earthy smell of disturbed soil still clinging to the sharp, peppery scent of fresh turnip greens as you grasp those pale purple roots? Picture yourself holding something alive and still growing in your hands, feeling the cool smoothness of the bulbs against your warm palms while dirt-encrusted roots dangle and twist. The gardener in this artwork holds up the turnips over her face, concealing herself to present the abundant harvest as a gift from the earth. The sepia toned hues unify the composition. The artwork cherishes the act of self-care through whimsical nourishment.
Envision this compelling artwork in your kitchen or dining space, where fellow gardeners will lean in close to examine those impossibly intertwined roots. Friends who grow their own food will recognize that specific moment when the garden demands immediate attention and you find yourself standing there with armfuls of vegetables, wondering what to do with such plenty. This piece celebrates the urgent beauty of harvest season and the balance between cultivation and play.
“Have you planted turnips? Turnips are so easy to grow from direct-sown seeds and so tasty when picked at this small baby size. You know the expression “You are what you eat!” I took inspiration from this and from the playful absurdism of the Dada art movement, where unexpected juxtapositions create new meanings.”
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.
