What do The Sopranos, Sausage & Peppers and Tiramisu have in common?

I'm guessing you can figure out the answer, but what you may not know is how much your heritage can effect your inspiration...

My husband and I recently got hooked on the off-color HBO show, The Sopranos. It's raunchy and I'm not a big one for television so it's no surprise that I didn't watch when everyone else was hooked. Let me be honest and say that this show has hilariously brought up so many emotions for me! While my family was full of cops and not mobsters, some of the same themes bubble up. First and foremost it has brought up the reality that I've always struggled with thinking that rules don't apply to me. I think that's the reason my husband calls me by my maiden name, Lomonaco, when I'm in trouble. Secondly, being raised in my family is why I love love love to paint food. Sitting around tables having loud conversations was such a part of my childhood. Painting biscotti's and coffee reminds me so much of my late father, Salvatore and grandma, Antoinette a.k.a. Nettie, that the very act of mixing my colors moved me to tears.

As each generation moves further away from our immigrant roots it becomes so important to connect with and understand our pasts.  Seeing our heritage clearly can help us to learn from mistakes, see what to avoid in our own lives and celebrate what our families have done right! While this isn't one of my favorite paintings, it certainly held a lot of emotion for me.  I believe that our most meaningful works are inspired by what stirs our hearts the most. Sometimes this stirring is from our hopes for the future, but more often for me it is from experiences in the past with la familigia. Maybe because we have a long tradition of passion, hard work and conversation. Salute! 


What elements of your past or heritage motivate and inspire your work?