MEAT SALE

This piece was inspired by my obsession with supermarket circular design. The original intention was to replicate the meat section faithfully, gizzards and all, using my beloved risograph technique. That will still happen in some way, shape or form, soon. But here, I became interested in the idea of the self as meat. I’m not vegetarian — far from it, actually. I am conscious of both the natural order of the food chain, as well as the atrocities and exploitation involved in the meat industry towards both animals and people. Just as the drumsticks, chops, and cutlets were once animals with their own personhood, so to speak, when I die, or am killed, I represent so much meat. I hope to add as much utility to the world as the chicken, lambs, cows, and pigs have done for us. I’m sure seeing the ravages of war across the globe in real time is influential on this train of thinking.

From a design perspective, I was interested in representing my self at various stages in my life. I thought about using a different image for each item, and I still might go back and do that. It was starting to feel even more personal than I was comfortable with, to be honest! Look at my little baby face. I’ma think about it. But for now, I’m delighted by the ways I was able to replicate the bold, ink-stained, starkness of the standard urban supermarket circular using all hand-drawn techniques. You’re going to see the circular as a motif because I’m definitely not done with it yet. I’m just getting started!