Food for Thought

Considering everything going on this past summer I thought it would be a good idea to explain why my work is all food related. (sorry no art today)

I skipped last weeks post because I've been feeling pretty cruddy for the last two weeks. Im on a gluten challenge to reintroduce wheat to my diet so it shows up in some tummy tests. After going gluten free and then returning to it I know I have celiac disease. Its in everything from packaged food, gummy bears, make up, lotion and so many other things besides bread. The reason for the tests is just having someone else tell me so I don't feel like i'm going crazy. Having so many doctors tell me i'm normal and just malnourished or dehydrated has been frustrating and in a way isolating. Its difficult to explain why I would feel like that. Its been a life long endeavor of odd symptoms and constant fatigue and pain. I actually discovered theres over 300 symptoms of Celiac Disease. No matter what happens I am going gluten/dairy free after this week and sticking with it. Possibly even vegetarian if things work out after a year.

What does this have to do with my art? Well my last year of college and the few years after, my health had declined dramatically because of my diet. So while I was figuring things out and searching for my own answers; painting food was a therapy for me. Like if I could make it look good enough it would be like tasting it without eating it. Soon I used my food paintings in illustrations and then I started making them 3-dimensional in polymer clay. I really love my art style and how it became so personal by complete accident. From here on out I want to pursue a career that helps children with food allergies and stomach diseases.

This would have to be my longest rant yet. I usually don't get too personal on my blog but I felt like it explained why I do what I do. It's also that part of my life coming to an end. I am happy to say that eating gluten free has completely cured all my issues and Im no longer severely fatigued or in any pain.

Recipe for Success

Have you ever had a month of absolutely nothing to do and then a week of everything to do? Well that's what recently happened to me. It's been a week of refining and improving my design. Check out www.heathersisson.com and see how you like the new improvements! Of coarse this was all done for a recent job interview I came across. Really amazing place with amazing work. Hopefully I get a call back!

This weeks blog is going to be a few different things. For one, I redesigned my business cards and made a thank you note to mix with my cooking theme. And secondly I finally got around to creating a cleaner product design for my jewelry. All made in six days. Sleep has never looked so good.