“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” ....Oscar Wilde

Thursday 25 February 2016

Wonky Veg... PPF and Sunday Sketches

It seems that there is a great emphasis on how things look in this day and age... creams to make your wrinkles vanish, shoes that make you 10 feet taller, or cleverly designed clothes to give the illusion of a completely different shape than the one you have. 
But I'm absolutely thrilled that things may be changing... well changing in regard to fruit and vegetables anyway. 
(I've always preached to my children to never judge a book by it's cover)
I'm not sure if you are aware that 20-40% of fruit and veg produced by UK farmers ends up wasted; either left for animal feed, ploughed back into the land or sent to landfill, because supermarkets don't want them. It seems there's a perception that the public won't buy 'ugly' produce, they prefer uniformity with size, colour and shape!

Jamie Oliver and Jimmy Doherty (celebrity chef and television presenters) are on a mission to change our minds. On a television programme they visited a farm and highlighted just how much vegetables are wasted because they don't meet with current guidelines. 
So Jamie and Jimmy have persuaded a leading supermarket (Asda) to launch a trial to see if people will buy the 'ugly' veg. 
It was staggering to see just how much fresh produce doesn't make it even out of the farm gates. 
Since I saw those huge mountains of parsnips and carrots, I've been on my own little campaign to 
promote wonky veg... because they may have the odd shape (haven't we all) or blemishes but they are all 'beautiful on the inside'.
I mean it just makes so much sense. 
We peel and chop most of these veg anyway, especially as it's the colder weather where casserole, stews and soups are the order of the day!

After visiting the supermarket to buy my box of wonky veg, I was both disappointed that they didn't have any left... but thrilled that they'd sold out quickly and were waiting for new stock! 
Result!
So whilst I wait for my box, I decided to paint a box to join up with the Paint Party Friday link.
Here's my initial sketch.
It's quite difficult to resist the temptation to paint the veg to look their best... after all they're supposed to be 'ugly'. 
I had to resist tweaking.
When half a million people in the UK are dependent on food banks, it's ludicrous and criminal to waste such vast amounts of food just by it's looks. 

Here's the final box of 'Beautiful on the inside' vegetables. 
(I must confess it was incredibly difficult for me to paint the cardboard box).
So if like me you feel strongly about waste, then please ask your supermarket to take part in these trials. They might find out that people wouldn't have a problem with the odd knobble or crinkle.
I know I'm very forgiving... I only have to look in the mirror!
Apologies to any PPF artist that I didn't visit last week. 
I've no idea where that last week went?
I promise I'll try harder to get around this coming week.
Paint Party Friday
I'm also linking up with Alexandra's  Sunday Sketches 
.
I hope you have a wonderful weekend with lots of creativity.

54 comments:

  1. I totally agree with you, Neesie. With all the hunger in the world, it's a shame to have to throw out veggies that look a little different. Love your painting!

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    1. Too true Laurie,
      I for one am completely sold on this idea.
      Thanks for your visit... have a wonderful weekend

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  2. Nothing wrong with wonky veg! Super art. X

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    1. I'm coming around to the idea of preferring wonky veg Clare, although when I uprooted my own carrots I was slightly smitten that they were straight. We'd have eaten them no matter what shape they were though.
      Just for the record, they did taste fantastic!
      Happy PPF to you

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  3. Nice one! It really is about time we persuaded the supermarkets to stop being so fussy with the veg. I don't think supermarket policies are dictated by customer demand (as they assert); I think it is the other way round. BTW: I think they veg in your painting could do with being wonkier! :)

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    1. I think you could be right Mark.
      I must admit that I quite enjoyed visiting the supermarket to enquire about whether they had any wonky veg.
      I was definitely on a mission and even spoke to a manager! Just call me Ms Feisty!
      I did try to make a conscious effort to paint the flaws in the veg, but it was quite difficult.
      When you paint it's normally to show something in it's best light. It certainly was a challenge, but not as much as the cardboard box!
      Have a fantastic weekend... I know you'll be planting/transplanting up a storm.
      I think spring may have sprung, so enjoy and thanks for visiting my place.

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  4. Beautiful painting and wise words, Neesi.
    Happy PPF ♥

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    1. Well I think the credit must go to Jamie and Jimmy who have highlighted this problem.
      Happy PPF to you too Sirkkis. Have a great weekend.

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  5. Important theme to highlight and a beautiful painting to follow your words.

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    1. Thank you Laila,
      I enjoyed painting the veg I have to admit, but the box was another story!
      Thanks for visiting my place and I hope you have a great weekend ahead.

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  6. Your sketch is gorgeous, I love it.

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    1. Aww thank you so much. I really enjoyed painting it.
      Happy PPF to you. Enjoy your weekend too.

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  7. What a fantastic post, Neesie! I absolutely agree with you. I think this was one of many silly rules brought in by the EU that all fruit and veg had to look 'nice'. What nonsense and completely obscene to throw wonky veg away when so many people go hungry (and when so many people eat crap diets because junk food is so much cheaper than healthy food). That's great that your supermarket was sold out - a good sign that folk don't care if their turnips are symmetrical!
    Your painting is fabulous - that's a lot of detail to fit in and it looks brilliant!

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    1. Thanks Nic, I enjoyed painting the veg although the cardboard box was another thing. I'm thinking that perhaps I didn't make them wonky enough!
      I totally agree with your comment. Although I knew that there were 'rules' to conform to until I saw that television programme, I had no idea that the amount of waste was so huge.
      I've been waiting to hear all week that the supermarket has restocked, but it's all quiet at the moment. I do hope that it wasn't just a publicity stunt with having the newspaper journalist and MP there. According to the Manager who I spoke to claimed that that wasn't the case. They will be restocking and having seasonal boxes too. We shall see...
      It's a case of watch this space!
      Have a wonderful weekend and enjoy that sun even if you'll have to wrap up to do so.
      We were -2 this morning... brr!

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  8. I only wish I could come to Scotland for a period of time and take painting lessons from you. Your colors are so vibrant - but I guess I better learn to draw first!!
    The fruits and veggies could also be donated to shelters and churches that feed the hungry. If the stores can box them up and sell them, they could donate them just as easily.
    Just a thought -
    Sandy xx

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    1. I'm sure you can draw Sandy...everyone can. Just have fun with it.
      You've reminded me of a time when I lived in Brunei. I attended a silk painting workshop and then actually took silk painting classes when the teacher left. Silk paints are so vibrant too.
      I've often thought that I might start a workshop once again, but then life happens or I get distracted. Maybe one day?
      Never say never eh?
      Have a fabulous weekend and come on lets see some sketches

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  9. Excellent point and beautiful art to demonstrate it. I wonder if we, the consumer have demanded "perfect" fruit and veggies or if the super markets do it so their displays look pretty. Whatever, well said. Happy PPF

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    1. Aww thank you Susan, I really appreciate your lovely comment.
      Let me tell you I'm not 100% certain of how these standards and requirements came about but I made it perfectly clear to the Manager of the supermarket that I wanted 'wonky'!
      I think I might be know in future as Ms Feisty.
      Happy PPF to you too.

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  10. Love your wonky veggies. Great job.:))

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    1. Hehe... thanks GlorV1
      I had a lot of fun painting them.
      Have a great weekend and Happy PPF to you

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  11. I'm sure they must do the same thing over here in the US. Ridiculous! So glad they sold out right away. :)

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    1. They sold what they had in a day, but that was the only lot they had. I'm still waiting to hear when they are getting another supply in. It's been a week nearly.
      Let's hope this gains momentum.
      Have a wonderful weekend and thanks for popping into my place.

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  12. Great points regarding fresh produce. Your veggie box is absolutely fantastic-well done!!

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    1. I'm not so sure about the veggie box Linda, it gave me a great deal of trouble, but I'm happy with the veg.
      Enjoy your weekend. Happy PPF to you.

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  13. Ahh, a lady after my own heart. I didn't see Jamie & Jimmy's programme, it was another one with the same theme and there was a third generation farmer and his family who ended up having to close up because they were making a loss due to the waste that was created by 'the public' not wanting wonky veg, according to the supermarkets. It was very moving and quite sad. But also, it made me angry to think of the wastefulness and the tragedy that is the increased use of food banks. I contacted my 'local' Asda (13 miles away), and asked if the boxes will be available for online shopping but they won't. It's great that they are one of the shops supporting them tho and would definitely aim to buy one when I get there in person.
    Your painting is fabulous and I love the 'cross-legged' carrot and the drawings on the box too :D
    Have a wonk weekend Denise, it's bound to be fun! :D xoxox

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    1. I think I saw that programme too Mo... yes it was heart-breaking and so unnecessary if only we would wake up to what's happening. (I'm using the royal 'we' here)
      When I spoke to the manager of the store he told me that not all the stores would be supplying the boxes. I think it's over 200 nominated though. I now need to ask at other supermarkets.
      I don't normally get feisty, but I must admit I feel really passionate about this.
      That box gave me some trouble, but it is just as they supply. I realised that I didn't really make the veg wonky. I wanted my own box to paint, but I'm waiting for them to restock. It seems to be taking some time.
      So far so good for this weekend. I hope you have a great one too.
      Enjoy xoxo

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  14. Love this wonky veg box, great idea to not throw these out!

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    1. It certainly is Christine, plus they are selling them at reduced prices, although I would buy them just so that they wouldn't be wasted. We seem to be such a throw away society today, that we really need to try to change that.
      Happy PPF to you... enjoy!

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  15. Neesie, I have read a lot lately about this subject of wasted food. I think the percentage here in the US is higher. I don't want to eat spoiled food for sure, but unspoiled, disfigured fruit or veggies is a horse of a different color. Your art is so beautiful. I'm so glad you are sharing this with us this week.

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    1. Oh my is it really higher Faye? No-one would want to buy or indeed eat spoiled food, but just because it's a different shape or has side shoots shouldn't mean it's discarded even before it leaves the farm.
      Thank you for your lovely comment about the painting and it's my pleasure to share with all of the PPF group. I really enjoy this link... it can be so inspiring.
      Enjoy your weekend.

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  16. we are actually doing a project on ugly fruit and veg at uni and how much food is wasted. the only thing I have heard about the asda boxes i don't agree with is you can't choose what you want. if you don't like a certain veg and get a lot of it, you are stuck with it or throw it out. defeating the purpose of lessening food waste :/ using seasonal veg is good tho :)

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    1. Oh that's brilliant Jennifer, I am just so happy that this is being discussed and brought into the public eye. I had no idea of just how much waste was happening.
      I wouldn't be throwing anything out of the box... if I didn't like it or had too much I'd just make it into a soup.
      We eat very well... my hubby likes food and I try to waste as little as possible.
      They do plan to stock seasonal boxes too, so I'm hopeful that this will gain momentum. With Jamie behind it I'm confident it will.
      Thanks for visiting and I wish you a great fun packed weekend ahead.

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  17. I can't tell you how much I love this... amazing painting and a cause I rant about regularly all rolled into one. We are big advocates of ugly veg and have been happy to see it making its way into our supermarket chains here also... but the painting is so amazing... love how confident you are in selecting tough subjects then pulling them off brilliantly!!!!

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    1. Aww thank you Trace, I really appreciate your lovely compliment.
      I thought Aussie's would be embracing this cause.
      I'm not sure I am confident in selecting my tough subjects... I'd call it naivety or stupidity. I thought I'd got the box off fine only to look after I'd painted it to realise that the lid doesn't fit! Grr... and painting cardboard is incredibly hard.
      I'll never learn... but I was just passionate about the subject matter.
      Have a wonderful weekend with whatever you have on the plan. Enjoy!

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  18. You rock my friend. I wish they'd do this in Canada. It amazes me how much waste there is and with veg being 20% more expensive this year, I'd be thrilled with wonky veg that I could afford. Much love to you sweetie, GREAT painting. And it looks YUMMY.

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    1. I rock...Really? Well thank you Jenn.
      I'll have to ask Jamie Oliver to go across to you and get on the case over there. He's incredibly good at getting results.
      Much love back to you too and thanks for your lovely comment.
      Enjoy your weekend

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  19. Hurrah for wonky veggies (and wonky humans too!) I am a big fan of Jamie Oliver and all he does to restore sanity to our food. What a lovely box of wonkies you painted...though they don't look wonky at all... Jusy looks YUM...!

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    1. Oh I'm certainly in the wonky category Minnemie,
      I've been watching and following Jamie since he first started as 'The Naked Chef' all those years ago. I think he's brilliant and so passionate about food.
      I'm beginning to think I haven't painted them wonky enough, but it's too late now.
      Lovely to see you once more... have a fantastic weekend.

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  20. Here's to you and your wonky veggie promotion, what a great campaign. I'm sure Jamie and Asda are thrilled to have you on board!! Hopefully you have negotiated a few wonky carrots in return or at least for ASDA to save a box for you next time? Brill post Neesie :)

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    1. Hehe... I'm not sure neither Jamie, or Asda even know I exist Wren, so they'll be no wonky carrots or box waiting for me.
      I'm happy to help promote this campaign though because it just makes sense.
      Thanks for your lovely comment... it's always great to have you pop by. Have a wonderful weekend whatever you have on your plan.

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  21. The campaign sounds truly amazing and very important! really lovely! Happy PPF! Wishing you a lovely weekend!

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    1. Thank you for your lovely comment. I had fun painting the veg, but also am passionate that this campaign gets out to everyone.
      Happy PPF to you too.

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  22. It is the same here in the US. I don't get it, never have. When I can I shop at the farmers market to get wonky veggies. Here in the US the grocery stores SOAK the veggies with water. Evey bagged veggies. So you pick up a bag of baby carrots and 1/2 the bag is full of icky water. I don't buy wet food from the store. I worked in the grocery industry and my husband was a produce manager, in those days water was not soaked onto the veggies. Ick. Anyway love your art of wonky veggies.

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    1. I love farmers markets Nicole, I just don't seem to manage to visit as many here in the UK as I did in Melbourne.
      I can't believe what I'm reading in your comment about soaking the veg. I can't imagine why or how they would think that that would work! Just give the fresh veg!
      Thanks for your interesting comment. Happy PPF to you and I hope that you are enjoying a great weekend.

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  23. What a great 'article', Neesie! So true. I'm a great Jamie Oliver fan .. thing he's doing lots of really important work. Organic vegetables are never perfect, and as I grew up with a garden which did not use any chemicals, I guess I am used to the 'natural' way nature grows her produce. Now many young people have absolutely no clue .. so It's high time the world was re educated. I have read much on the state of affairs of hunger in our world. It has been proven if food was handled properly and not wasted, there is absolutely no need for hunger. So sad ... but hey ... YEA for people like you who are spreading the word and the work of Jamie and his cohorts. Hugs, Donna

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    1. Aww thanks Donna, I've loved Jamie since he was 'naked'!
      I'm hoping that you know that's a joke stemming back to when Jamie first appeared on our screens. It seems I've watched him grow up and become an International spokesperson where food is concerned.
      I think that some of the supermarket veg look unappetizing wrapped and packaged up to the hilt. I think there's nothing better than to go and pick your own. It just seems natural.
      It does seem incredibly wrong to have so much waste when there's so much hunger in the world.
      Thanks for your comment and visit Donna, I hope you are having a wonderful weekend... enjoy!

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  24. I like Jamie's recipes and mission to educate on food. Your illustration is amazing and what a beautiful spot to paint. Thanks for spreading the word around about food waste.

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    1. Thanks Juana,
      I am privileged to be able to paint at this table, although at times it can be a little distracting.
      Happy PPF to you and I wish you a fabulous creative week ahead.

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  25. First off stunning box of veggies! We have marketing boards that also keep our produce to perfection. However we have many many produce stands and stores in our area that sell the imperfections at a reduced price... so we always manage to get amazing produce which makes up the main part of our diet. My daughters one disappointment when visiting the UK was that restaurants didn't serve more plant based food...she craved salad while there!! Your box of goodies is right up our alley. Jamie Oliver is doing so much good in Canada too with his campaign to eat well... I know it's been a huge struggle in the states as he fought to get better school lunches for children!!
    Excellent post my dear, well written!

    Hugs Giggles

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  26. Lovely work and excellent message behind the art! I agree -- as long as it's healthy, fresh, and tasty, it shouldn't matter and shouldn't be wasted -- makes for a great still life as well of course!

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  27. I hadn't thought of that, when we grow veggies in our garden, they aren't all perfect looking, but we use them anyway. It seems a shame to throw so much perfectly good food away! I love your painting of them, they're wonderful and so is the box!

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  28. Yes yes yes! And I love the painting too! xo

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  29. Wonderful cause, wonderful sketch! I totally agree with you, Neesie. I tend to go for organic fruit/vegetables which don't always look perfect and that's fine by me. :)

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  30. Beautiful blog and creativity. Thank you for sharing!

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