I, Ted Mineo
2005
8" x 12"
graphite on paper


This is a drawing of a decorative food engraver.

It uses a laser to etch messages into food. In this case, the user has chosen to create a self portrait of sorts. 
A riot of steam and sparks dazzle as the letter "I" is seared into the patty of a hamburger.  Rather than pickles or cheese, this sandwich is garnished with a declaration of being.

The engraver's exterior houses precision machinery. 

The laser is nestled within an albite console equipped with replica broccoli florets that function as sliders, giving the user precision control over the engraving process.  
The beam passes through an aquamarine crystal on its way to the food's flesh and crust, bringing the crystal's watery green color to life. 
A fleeting color poem emerges as the shower of sparks play about the verdant crystal and the orange glow of seared flesh, still throbbing with I.