Cover Art: “Rice Farmer”
“Rice Farmer,” 2024
Medium: brown rice, white rice, black rice, farro, yellow lentils, chickpeas, mung beans, and acrylic
“Rice Farmer” was featured in What You Bring to the Table at Slip Gallery, curated by Alaina Stocker
Artist statement: My piece “Rice Farmer” is part of a series I’m working on called “Rice, Roots, and the Road to Cultural Exploration” that depicts the farm to table journey our food takes and the people who feed us. I am inspired by the natural colors and textures used in traditional Indian cuisine including varieties of rice, lentils, beans, and more. I utilize these materials to honor where they came from through depictions of the farming process. “Rice Farmer” is the first piece in the series. It shows the humble beginnings of where rice comes from and the hands that pull it from the ground. It is the start to a tedious and back breaking journey for the rice. My process of placing individual grains to depict these stories honors the difficult process of harvesting rice.
I am a second generation Indian American, my family comes from a farming caste, and my family members in India are still farmers. My parents moved to the midwest in the 1990s and agriculture was a major aspect to the communities here as well. My cultural background paired with my proximity to farming while growing up in the midwest became a point of interest in my artwork. This series has allowed me to connect with my cultural roots, honor my history, and grow a greater appreciation of all farmers.
Yaminee (Yam) Patel is a Seattle-based mixed media artist whose work explores themes of cultural identity, community, and the intersection of art and everyday life. Inspired by her Indian heritage, Patel utilizes natural materials like rice, lentils, and chickpeas to create intricate and textured pieces that evoke comfort, warmth, and nostalgia. Since her debut in 2023, Patel has exhibited her work in over a dozen local galleries, in 20+ shows, and in 6 small businesses. Her artistic journey has been marked by significant accomplishments, such as participating in ACES 2024, curating “Mundane Dystopia” at Slide Gallery, and being featured on King5’s New Days NW. Beyond her personal practice, Patel is deeply committed to fostering a vibrant arts community. She volunteers at a local gallery and actively seeks opportunities to promote and support emerging artists in the Seattle area. Through her work, Patel aims to bridge cultural divides and create spaces for meaningful connection.
