Leftover Bacon, by Angela Hughes Zokan

What's On Your Plate? 

A series by local South Carolina Artist, Angela Hughes Zokan

5”X5”, Framed Watercolor on Paper (8"X8"), 2023

Part 2: Behold the Simple, Leftover Bacon

So much more than just “bacon on a plate.” Growing up in the south nothing screams breakfast quite like the smell of bacon frying in the pan. The smell wafts through the entire house and let's be honest, you smell those delicious greasy slices all day long (maybe even the next day). Now that I am grown(ish), I typically save the bacon for the weekends, because who has time to fry bacon before school? However, my Grandmama cooked bacon for my Granddaddy nearly every morning. How do I know this? I was lucky enough to spend the younger part of my childhood right down the road, and any day that I would stop by there would always be a couple of slices of leftover bacon on a plate in the toaster oven. While my little brother may have raided their Hershey kiss basket in the pantry, I went straight for the toaster oven to gobble up a piece (or two) of that leftover bacon. As more cousins blessed our family, it became a race on family gatherings of who would get the leftover bacon.

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.