Thoroughly Tested and Approved

“Simplicity itself."

Introducing the Mirro-Matic Pressure Pan!

In 1946, after years of research and development, the Aluminum Good Manufacturing Company of Manitowoc, Wisconsin proudly introduced the finest aluminum speed cooker— the Mirro-Matic Pressure Pan! This revolutionary device was the pride of every housewife for the joy, speed and ease it allowed her to prepare Plain Chop Suey, Hungarian Goulash and Swedish Meat Balls, among other delicacies, recipes included with purchase. As advertised, the Mirro-Matic saved precious vitamins, preserved food, and, in fact, paid for itself many times over in the time, fuel, food and flavor saved. The Mirro-Matic was truly "simplicity itself."

Personally, living in Austin in August, I feel like I am working inside a pressure cooker and the heat just keeps going up! I suppose it was inevitable that I would create artwork from a 1947 Mirro-Matic product manual (and complimentary recipe booklet), titled appropriately "Under Pressure"  (36" x 36" / acrylic, resin and vintage manual on aluminum panel). I typically allow the original source material to lead the way with color palette, line and overall mood. The cover of this little manual was a fabulous orange-red with some classic black and white images of “test kitchens” featuring homemakers sporting full skirts and pearls. I am always looking for ways to create depth in my work, and in this case it felt important to create the feeling of bubbles bursting to the surface, hence the use of resin. I find resin a rather nasty art substance but I have never found a material that replicates its unique way of building depth. Tough to photograph and capture that depth, but mesmerizing in person.

Disclaimer:

Should you choose to own "Under Pressure," please note that "vintage pressure cooker manuals may encourage techniques or methods which are no longer considered safe or should not be used with modern pressure cookers." No warranties or guarantees are provided with purchase of this artwork. But I can throw in that recipe for Plain Chop Suey.

No Instant Pots were harmed in the making of this artwork.