Colazione, by Angela Hughes Zokan
What's On Your Plate?
A series by local South Carolina Artist, Angela Hughes Zokan
12”X12”, Acrylic on Canvas, 2023
Part 1: Italia Comida, Piece I: Colazione
Italy. Do I need to say more? Italy is by far my favorite place…ever. I feel more at ease and at home there than anywhere else I have been. I love the air, the rich ground, the colors, the history, and the freshness of everything you seem to take a bite of. I studied abroad there in college, made some of my best friends, fell deeply in love with the culture and more in love with my college boyfriend (now husband) getting to share these experiences with him. Last summer, I was released from all my adult duties (momentarily) and was able to take a little “adult summer camp” with my cousin and several others to take in a part of Italy I had not experienced before, Sorrento. These first couple pieces within this series draw from those warm late summer days. Filled with light, laughter and all the goodness life brings.
Simple. Italian breakfasts tend to be a little more on the simpler side, but they are some of my favorites. Their pastries are decadent, and however simple the trimmings may seem, they are never lacking any flavor. Mostly because everything is so fresh. Sliced cucumbers and tomatoes for breakfast? Yes, please! Why don’t we(I) do that here? But really, this particular morning was beyond special for whatever the reason may be. We had finally settled into our little space for a couple of days. While my cousin and I sipped our fresh cappuccinos, the pigeons were rustling about looking for any crumbs they could find while waiters ever so inconspicuously chased them away. You could see the sunlight moving along the rooftops separating them from the shadows. The ocean breeze was steady and my first bite of that flaky croissant tasted a little bit like heaven. Breathe. Relax. Sit. Take. It. All. In.
This 12”X12” acrylic on canvas features that warm summer sunlight and the fresh fruits that made this summer morning so memorable.
About the Collection: A Note From the Artist
The most precious memories and conversations happen around the table with a meal, a melted popsicle or a couple of slices of leftover bacon in the toaster oven. Hey, when you know you know! These meals do not have to be over the top (although I do love a gourmet dish), but oftentimes are the simplest, with the most significance.
I find that more and more I draw connections to people through different foods, flavors, and scents. When I prepare a meal, snack, or even beverage for myself or my family I am reminded of who I shared these with in the past. These memories have become more and more precious as people I have loved, respected, and cherished have moved on…or even started to grow up.
This series of paintings may seem simple, or reminiscent of pop art ideals; but, for me, they focus more on connections. Connections to people, cultures, seasons, experiences and keeping this in the forefront of my thoughts. This “plate” series will be released every Friday for the next couple of months through McIntosh Cottage Antiques.