Foodē has become a landmark in Fredericksburg over the years. Owners Beth and Joy have worked hard to create a restaurant that provides the community with much more than just a meal. Right before Covid-19 hit, they reached out to me and Fraser Wood Elements to create these barn doors that would separate the kitchen from their back room. Needless to say, all of our worlds turned upside down that spring, but Foodē persevered and by August, my son and I were putting on the final touches of the wall mural.
The concept behind the artwork was inspired by a conversation that I had with Beth and Joy, talking about how food is the great equalizer - it can bring people from all walks of life to the table. When people are eating, they’re comfortable and genuinely happy and that can lead to conversation and better understanding. I thought it would be interesting to show feminine hands passing spears of asparagus to allude to the inherent power and joy that comes when we’re able to share something that nourishes. The installation is titled “Pass the Peace” which is an ecclesiastic reference of community as well as nod to the J.B’s “Pass the Peas” song (and for all you Hip-Hop heads - “Pass the Plugs” by De La Soul which is what I grew up listening to on my Walkman).