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cheese portraits:

This series of still life paintings act more as a group of portraits, to me. The process of painting them has expanded my understanding and appreciation for quality artismal cheese. It's allowed me to get to know, at least twenty-three of them, much better. We're well aquainted, to say the least.

In early winter of 2011, I had considered a new subject to explore in a series, as I love the process of building a collection of work and focus on specificity within variety in common subjects. I had painted a wonderful cheese that I had purchased at a wonderful cheese shop in Philadelphia (Di Bruno Brothers) called Gorwydd Caerphilly. It was love at first sight and beyond that afterwards, for I ate my subject as I usually do.


Gorwydd Caerphilly		Madame Fromage

In late January, it had occurred to me that the enjoyment of the Gorwydd Caerphilly portrait could be worth exploring further, or at the least, indulging in. Having too little knowledge of this world, another subculture to delve into, I remembered meeting Tenaya, AKA Maddame Fromage, at a foodie party. I contacted her with the image of the Caerphillly and politely pled for advice. Her immediate response was of complete enthusiasm. Not only did she invite me over that very evening for some remarkable cheese which she donated to the cause, she demonstrated a passion and knowledge that seemingly married into a near fanatical tsunami.

I need to be clear about this. Madame Fromage volunteered to be my cheese mentor. She also became a good friend in the process. If not for her encouragement, support and ablility to get just as food-frenzied up about all things edible, I find it hard to believe I'd have produced such a large series in a couple months time. Tenaya's passion and generous nature combined with her extensive knowledge of cheese was a jackpot for me to stumble onto.