Kitchen Stories

Landscapes in a Professional Kitchen by Susan Callahan

April 1, 2022 - May 1, 2022

Corkran Gallery

Opening reception: Friday, April 1, 2022 (5-7pm).

Artist Statement

“Life as a chef is imagined as creative and glamorous because we see the life of many celebrities chefs on TV and hosting great parties or even cruises. This series is a love letter to the cooks who work everyday in kitchen’s, it tells the story of women and men who make thousands of meals for millions of people everyday and we never know who they are. The work is digitally printed photographs from my kitchen, as well as a few friends who work as chefs. The work is printed onto cotton, then hand painted and machine stitched. The series starts early in the day in a kitchen and tells of the daily activities of working on the production line. The series is primarily black and white to resonate with the stainless steel landscape of a commercial kitchen.”

“I have worked as a professional chef for 30 years. I love the life of the kitchen. I am a teacher who encourages the best from people. As well as offers warning that only the best will do- we are feeding people. I am an artist who work primarily in textiles. Textiles and food are very similar, you cut them up, apply some technique or mix them together and get something wonderful.  

Image credit: “Saucing the Plate,” digital print on cotton fabric, hand painted, machine and hand stitched, 40″ x 38″ by Susan Callahan.

*All works are digital photos printed on cotton.  Hand painted, machine and hand stitched.