
My Art is a reflection of my life, heart and soul.
I draw, cook and love my life. When I was young, growing up in the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek area of Michigan I found inner peace by spending time on my bikes, reading Buddhist texts and mostly in my drawing. When it came time to find a way to support myself I looked at what makes me happy and I decided on the culinary arts. (I would rather be a fat Chef than a starving Artist) I have been a professional Chef by trade for my entire adult life and find it to be a wonderful way of expression of my art making beautiful eatables that are impermanent, hence art and Buddhism combined. I draw as a form of meditation and relaxation when I get out of work. I have lived all over the US, San Francisco, LA, Chicago, Portland Maine, Boston, NYC, New Haven CT, Washington DC, Saint Tomas VI. The Adirondacks and now in the Berkshires, applying my passions to my cooking, searching for peace, meaning and expressing it all in my drawing.
I draw whenever I can find the time. Now since 2019 my wonderful position as Banquet Chef at Gedney Farm my schedule allows me that time. Then the pandemic quarantine brought me all that time. What a Joy to explore my inner monk/recluse in my own studio (that in a lot of ways still is my life). My art is bloomed. Gratitude For Solitude” came from all of the work and the stories behind them came from that experience (see it in Books).Since the pandemic I am proud have spent time working on Marianne Williamsons’s 2024 presidential campaign and trying to make this world a better place. But drawing all along. New pieces are on there way, along with a third book.I am also looking into Stickers, Tee Shirts and Puzzles.I am still happily the Banquet Chef at Gedney Farm for half the year (no weddings in the cold months) and loving fulfilling my service of others. Life is good.
By the way, I also do consignments, originals, custom logo work, menu designs, most anything art within my ability's. Ask, & it is a definite maybe. If you see a print and want it in special colors, that can be done. I hope you find my art enjoyable.
Feel free to contact me for further information.
I hope you find this art enjoyable. Feel free to contact me for further information.
krhester1@gmail.com
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202-821-9428 / ©2025 Chef Karl