How it started

It was March 2020. I was sick with suspected coronavirus and self-isolating in my bedroom.

By week two, the delirium was setting in. I picked up a fork and began running it along the peel of a banana. Half an hour later, the mark I made had become a clear brown line. An hour after that and it was black.

How it works

No ink is used, the banana is bruised.

I bruise the peel by pressing into it lightly with a blunt point. Speeding up and controlling the bruising process conjures light and shade in the image.

Over a few hours, the mark gradually goes darker until black. I start with the darkest parts of the image first, and then work my way backwards, finishing with the lightest parts last.

By managing the timing, it’s possible to make intricate images with graduating shades. There’s a short window of time when the image looks its best; I photograph the banana, and then eat it.

Since March 2020, I’ve posted a new piece of banana art online every day. 

How it connects

Banana art leads me to stretch my imagination and practice mindfulness each day.

It’s connected me with people around the world. Like the teacher in Pretoria, South Africa, who sent me pictures of the banana art his students created. Or the mother in Chicago whose basketball-loving daughter became a fan after seeing this banana. Or the man in Ethiopia who sent me this message after I bruised a banana inspired by his beautiful culture.

I also create art about causes I care about, from gender and racial equality to health, environment, justice and the alleviation of poverty.

I connect my drive for social justice with art, and welcome opportunities to collaborate with people looking to make positive change.

To learn about my career outside of art, see my LinkedIn page.