Carbonara Wonderland
November 2022
16” x 12" paper print, $40
11” x 8.5” paper print, $25
Available for purchase at Toronto local markets and for free pick up in Downtown Toronto. Contact the artists for times and dates.
Custom Order Canvas:
16” x 12” canvas print, $110
Other larger sizes, available for custom order.
Available for free pick up in Downtown Toronto. Contact the artist for orders and details.
Prices do not include tax.
Carbonara Wonderland is inspired by the small local restaurant Cafe Diplomatico. It is a 56 year old family run establishment founded by Rocco Mastrangelo Sr in 1968. With the help of his brother, their family continues to serve affordable and cozy Italian cuisine to the heart of Little Italy in Toronto. After Rocco Sr. sadly passed away in 2021, the restaurant remained in the family and was taken over by his son Rocco Mastrangelo Jr. and his wife Connie.
The BIG FOOD series was developed after the artist painted a mural for a local business called Simple Burger in 2021. The people behind this family-owned spot inspired them to develop a larger series about small businesses, immigrant culture and the love language of food.
Small businesses work above and beyond to operate their shops and produce meals. Behind all of them are people working tirelessly devoting themselves to their businesses. Food feels a lot more precious when we see all the work that has gone into it.
Food is also a love language. It falls under “Acts of Service” and yet it could be entirely its own. Many cultures use food as a form of care and to develop stronger bonds with loved ones. It is what builds our cultures and gives us space to belong to, especially for folks away from their homes. Food paves the way for our communities and often defines what home feels like.
The BIG FOOD series is an unlimited illustration series and will continue to speak to these themes and represent a vast array of cultures and people. As of 2023, the series is comprised of eight illustrations, each inspired by a specific small business or story.