To convey the irony of nutritional deficiency in a country known for its agricultural abundance, my lstill-life paintings feature frozen junk food alongside patterns created from data sets on food access and race. Numerous studies highlight the significant challenge many Americans face in incorporating fresh fruits and vegetables into their diets. The profound influence of fresh, nutritious food on overall health and happiness raises concerns for those in America who lack access to it.

The Food Access Research Atlas project by USDA delves into the difficulties experienced by individuals residing in "food deserts" — regions where acquiring fresh produce involves traveling long distances, often resulting in a reliance on fast food, frozen items, or canned goods. Beyond underscoring the restricted access to fresh food, this project sheds light on the broader implications for physical health and mental well-being.

In contrast to prevailing assumptions linking food deserts with minority populations, surprising data unveils that nutritional imbalances are predominantly encountered by white individuals in rural areas.

Drawing insights from the Food Access Research Atlas 2015 by the USDA, I incorporated circle patterns into my artwork, each reflective of the percentage of people, categorized by race, residing in food desert areas within each state. The size of the inner circle visually accentuates the severity of the issue, challenging preconceptions. The saturated artificial colors are reminiscent of the marketing that junk food companies use to entice people, particularly children, to buy their products, encapsulating the stark reality faced by diverse populations lacking sufficient access to fresh and nutritious food, despite the agricultural wealth of the nation.