40x 16 in. oil on canvas

This painting is a portrayal of my mother. She was known as the best cook. Any friend that came to visit our house, knew they would be fed.

Her favorite and most laborious dish was fish. In my tribe, it is the most nutritious meal both physically and spiritually. She would spend her days off cutting, washing, drying, frying, and then cooking the fish.

Underneath the fish is her favorite table cloth she would use to avoid using paper towels. This time the meal is on the chair, showing the time, care and closeness she had with each dish. Above is a lamp to exhibit her warm glow. It’s always on because she never shied away from the responsibility of feeding others.

We would have conversations about the importance of knowing how to cook while she shared Kenyan childhood stories.

As I grow older, I wonder if she remembered to feed herself.