The Vegetable Constellation Show

I love vegetables.

I love constellations.

Why not combine two awesome things simultaneously?

Beet by Day, Pen & ink combined with watercolor — Beet by Day, *Pen & ink combined with watercolor*

Beetes by night, watercolor & gouache. Inspired by the constellation, Bootes, the bear herder.

Garlic Scapes by Day, Pen & ink combined with watercolor — Garlic Scapes by Day, *Pen & ink combined with watercolor*

Garlic Scapea by Night, watercolor & gouache. Inspired by the constellation, Hydra, the sea monster and also the longest constellation in the night sky.

Onion by Day, Pen & ink combined with watercolor — Onion by Day, *Pen & ink combined with watercolor*

Onion by Night, watercolor & gouache. Inspired by the constellation, Orion, the Hunter, a well-known and well-loved constellation.

Bell Pepper By Day, Pen & ink combined with watercolor — Bell Pepper By Day, *Pen & ink combined with watercolor*

The Big Pepper by Night, watercolor & gouache. Inspired by the constellation, the Big Dipper. Technically, the Big Dipper is not its own constellation but is part of Ursa Major, the Great Bear. It is one of the most well-known star configurat… — The Big Pepper by Night, watercolor & gouache. Inspired by the constellation, the Big Dipper. Technically, the Big Dipper is not its own constellation but is part of Ursa Major, the Great Bear. It is one of the most well-known star configurations in the sky to many cultures.

Spicy Pepper By Day, Pen & ink combined with watercolor — Spicy Pepper By Day, *Pen & ink combined with watercolor*

Little Pepper By Night, watercolor & gouache. Inspired by the constellation, the Little Dipper, which also includes Polaris, the North Star.

Artichoke by Day, Pen & ink combined with watercolor — Artichoke by Day, *Pen & ink combined with watercolor*

Artichocules by Night, watercolor & gouache. Inspired by the constellation, Hercules, the Strong Man.

Mushrooms by Day, Pen & ink combined with watercolor — Mushrooms by Day, *Pen & ink combined with watercolor*

Ursa Mushroom by Night, watercolor & gouache. Inspired by the constellation, Ursa Major, the Great Bear (which also contains the Big Dipper).

How did this idea come to be?

Moonflower market, located in Moab, asked if I would be interested in doing the November 2018 Moab Artwalk. I instantly knew I wanted to take a break from landscapes and do a kitchen line of fruits and vegetables that I’ve been dreaming about for years.

I love the amazing colors and shapes of produce.

When they told me some of the pieces needed to be dark sky themed, I thought “How in the world would I combine fruits and vegetables AND dark skies???” Instantly, this idea of turning vegetables into constellations came to me and I knew I had to make it happen! Combining garlic scapes with Hydra was the first idea…and then it went from there!

I’ve always enjoyed the illustrations behind the constellations. In this show, I’ve taken all real constellations and have created my own illustrations to go behind them, inspired by amazing vegetables I’ve always wanted to draw and paint.

I initially learned the constellations my first summer in Moab working as a river guide in 1994. I slept under the stars and spent hours enjoying the desert dark skies with a little pocket guide to constellations. Since then, constellations have felt like old friends to me. I love looking up and seeing a familiar set of stars that I feel somehow connected to.

I drew all the vegetables from real life. I was that weird person in the produce section, oddly studying all the produce to try and find the perfect vegetable to take home and draw.

I had so much fun creating this show. I hope you enjoy it too!

The Vegetable Constellation Show

I love vegetables.

I love constellations.

Why not combine two awesome things simultaneously?

How did this idea come to be?

The Process