"I Run on Dunkin"
This piece combines my obsession with Dunkin' coffee and the fuel it provides to power me through my daily tasks and responsibilities. Inspired by the iconic phrase, “America Runs on Dunkin’,” I’ve made it personal—“I Run on Dunkin.”Coffee becomes more than just a drink here; it’s a lifeline, a ritual, and a source of energy that keeps me focused and productive as I navigate my busy days. This work is both playful and relatable, celebrating the small yet essential comforts that help us keep moving forward.
"I Run on Dunkin" – Process Description
The process for this piece began with cutting a Dunkin' cup in half, transforming an everyday object into a central element of the artwork. To secure the cup to the canvas, I used tacky glue, ensuring it would hold firmly. I then taped it down with painter's tape to keep it in place while the glue dried. Allowing it to set for at least two days ensured the cup was fully adhered to the canvas, creating a strong foundation for the piece.
"I Run on Dunkin" – Process Description
After securing the Dunkin’ cup to the canvas with tacky glue and painter’s tape, I began the next stage: a paint pour. This step required multiple rounds of trial and error to achieve the right consistency and color for the mixture. Once perfected, I carefully tilted the canvas to create an intentional angular spill effect, allowing the paint to flow naturally across the surface. The painter’s tape played a key role in holding the cup securely in place as I poured the solution inside the cup, filling it up before tilting the canvas sideways for a controlled spill. This technique created a dynamic, fluid movement that visually mirrors the energy and flow coffee gives me throughout the day.
“I Run on Dunkin” – Final Touches
To complete the piece, I added resin ice cubes as the final touch, enhancing the realistic and playful nature of the work. Rather than painting the full canvas beforehand, I chose to paint around the elements afterward. This decision was intentional—I wanted the piece to feel chaotic and rushed, reflecting the reality of my mornings spent scrambling to grab my coffee and tackle my work. The imperfect, spontaneous energy mirrors the pace of my day, where coffee becomes both a necessity and a symbol of survival through the chaos.