Last years photos...

It's was August and 69 degrees – definitely not the typical Midwest summer.

Somehow the economic uncertainly had been a reminder to enjoy the little things all the more and to stay focused on what matters most. Which for me is time spent with family and friends, time to listen to the rain and watch the moon thru the trees, listening for the chickadees, smelling the mint, sage, and basil growing on my tiny postage-stamp of a balcony.

The Farmer's Market still has a magical appeal. I've been photographing and drawing the vegetables before I cook them. Using the produce as an "art supply" gives me double value.

It almost feels like performance art: the choosing, the art-making, and then the time spent enjoying the simple act of cooking and eating. I am in awe of the ability of the farmers and the land to provide such bounty; and I am so very grateful to live where it’s readily available to me.

Anyway, this is the long way around to welcoming you to the Art Kitchen Studio. I came by this name when I realized that most of my recent art had to do with food in one way or another and most of my photographs were of food, flowers, nature, or domestic icons. I also realized that most of my friends, especially the artists are really into food.

In a way, most of us are the opposite of domestic divas. I, for one, have given up on ever having a mess free house – it’s just never gonna happen. No June Cleavers anywhere near the Art Kitchen. If anyone wants to help blur the lines between food and art even further, let me know and I’d love to have you be a guest blogger on the The Art Kitchen Studio at BlogSpot.com.

Get a cup of tea, put your feet up, and look around the Gallery and Inspiration pages. Lots more gratuitous veggie and market shots within.