Concurrent with a full time career as an artist, I’ve been closely connected to restaurant and food pantry kitchens in my work as an organic farmer. The work that cooks do to prepare food for others is done with a devotion and ritual that is nothing short of sacred.

I am always in awe watching them. And boggled by the endurance required to stand for many hours at a time, in high heat and high gear, meticulously repeating the same fussy tasks dozens or hundreds of times a day.  All to prepare a multisensory experience that will be demolished within minutes, very often going largely unappreciated as well. It’s like a microcosm of all of life — working so hard for a brief moment of individual fruition, and simultaneously for the vast purpose of sustaining Life itself, beyond the present act and regardless of appreciation. 

Sanctuary Kitchen is an attempt to convey the magic of the world of people who choose to cook for others, the body & soul nourishment of lovingly prepared food.  It was painted five years ago as a commission. In our chaotic and liminal present moment, I’m trying to stay focussed on finding new ways to share my work with those who it would nourish, rather than worrying about getting back to an old “normal”.  To that end, I’m doing a fun GIVEAWAY of 5 signed first edition 11×14″ giclée prints of the original painting from July 1 – 17 2020. If this idea appeals to you, I invite you to participate. If it succeeds in spreading happiness around, I’ll be looking for ways to do more of this sort of thing.

Two steps to enter the drawing #SanctuaryKitchenPrintGiveaway

1. Follow me @lauriegoodhart.art on Instagram (and see plenty more art).

2. Comment on the Sanctuary Kitchen Giveaway post: Why would you love to live with or gift this print? I would really like to hear more about what speaks to you in my work.

A larger image of this painting is posted at my website too.

In the spirit of celebration, a drawing of one winner will be on each of these five upcoming holidays:

July 1 Creative Ice Cream Flavors Day

July 7 Chocolate Day

July 8 National Blueberry Day

July 11 Cheer Up The Lonely Day

July 17 World Snake Day / Fresh Spinach Day

With warmest regards,

Laurie