From the Curator’s Perspective: Generous Helping

As we look at Generous Helping, it seems the portion she has allotted us will never come close to satisfying the ever-expanding American appetite. According to studies that measure caloric increases per ounce, the average meal size has grown markedly over the last few decades. In James’ artist statement, she notes that our digestive systems have not changed with our increased food consumption. In fact, this increase is statistically linked to chronic obesity, diabetes, and heart failure. The simplicity of this sized portion of meat acts as a catalyst for serious reflection. James writes that, “this unbalanced consuming cycle is one contributing factor to the overwhelming amount of chronic obesity that comes along with our sedentary “still life.” You may find yourself rethinking the definition of a generous helping.

-Kathryn Ervin

For more information about this work, visit the artist’s submission. Visit this blogpost to learn how A Life, Still was curated by twelve college students in collaboration with the North Carolina Museum of Art. 

About this Curator

Kathryn Ervin is pursuing a BFA degree in Painting and Drawing at East Carolina University in the hopes of impacting her community through conceptual work which seeks to be both visually arresting and thought provoking. She wishes to actively participate in community art endeavors and to encourage creative solutions in everyday problem-solving. She also enjoys long walks to the fridge and frequently puzzles over the metaphysical import of cumulus cloud formations.