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Ah! A fellow kitchen person! Maybe that's part of why I can so relate to your view of the world, and like your art so much.

My first job at 16 was washing dishes for a chef/owner who 25 years prior was the chef in my grandfather’s restaurant on Seneca Turnpike. He kept a loaded gun in the knife drawer, and sent me home every night with bruises up and down my arms and legs. Besides breaking for college, I remained in the business for 25 years until painting took over.

Oh you were long term! What were the bruises from? My arms were often covered with burns, especially whenever I was working a line. Eventually, I became The Boss, and the job became nearly all paperwork, which I did well, but hated.

I got my food start at 16 too. My father was an inspector for the department of health, and he got me my first job in a chicken broasting restaurant. I loved it. After getting one job in a restaurant, it's easy to get another, and another and ...

Yes it is! I got stuck like Stuckism:)
The bruises were from his punches. Up and down my legs and arms.

:)

Ok that's weird. What was he punching you for? Fun?

Yes, for fun.
He was a character. I have a post up today about the experience:)