"...But I Hate Asparagus"

10 x 20 Oil on Linen, 2007

Some paintings have a more obvious psychology to them than others. Some paintings just have a personal story. This painting was made while I was living in a five story walk-up in the North End of Boston. There was a grocer around the connah from my apartment who had some of the most incredible fruits and vegetables I had ever seen. He knew I was an artist and suggested the purple garlic and the odd shaped pepper. When he suggested Asparagus I said "but I hate asparagus" He replied "because it's thick and bitter right?" "Exactly" I said.. He gave me some very thin Asparagus and told me to cook it quickly in a little oil and the purple garlic. The reason there are only a few pieces in the painting is that we ate the rest. I have loved Asparagus ever since.