Back in Poland, I often heard the phrase ‘Melting Pot’ used to describe American culture. Before coming to the US, the concept was an abstraction to me. After living here for decades, the ‘Melting Pot’ is my reality, and I have come to cherish the wide range of cultural flavors one routinely encounters here.

Still, there are also aspects of the American experience that are distinctly (and wonderfully) American:

One of those is the roadside diner, which embodies a distinct and timeless strain of American authenticity. Classic diners can be found all over America, sometimes in unexpected places, many seemingly oblivious to the modern, digital world. 

I stumbled across the Broadway diner in Baraboo, Wisconsin, after a hike in Devil’s Lake State Park. I was hungry, and the aroma of fried eggs and hash browns initially drew all of my attention. With my hunger sated and my eyes adjusted to the interior, I began to take in the symphony of colors, shapes, and ambient sounds and smells in this throwback eatery. It was like a moment of time travel to the mythical America of the 1950s. My inspiration was ignited, and I cast my eyes around the room for objects that might help rekindle the sense of deliciousness and warmth in another space and time. A pair of classic Salt and Pepper shakers (having already served their intended purpose) fell into view and became the inspiration for this painting.