Bb 0003 Appreciatively ate an Apple Steve&MarionIsham sqs Steve& Marion Isham

The drawing presents a peculiar scene centered around a street vendor and a curious animal interaction. A young person, clad in a green sweater adorned with what appears to be a stylized star, stands behind a makeshift stall constructed from cardboard boxes. They are engaged in an exchange with an unseen individual, receiving payment via an accordion. The vendor’s expression is difficult to discern, appearing somewhat detached or neutral.
The stall itself overflows with produce – predominantly apples of varying shades of red and orange citrus fruits. A sign reading FREE SAMPLE points towards a small pile of apples near the base of the structure. A prominent feature of the composition is the presence of a quokka, an Australian marsupial, positioned directly in front of the stall. The animal appears to be actively consuming an apple from a woven basket placed on the ground. Its posture suggests a degree of boldness and familiarity with its surroundings.
The background introduces further layers of complexity. A red and white striped vehicle, possibly an ambulance or emergency transport, is partially visible behind the vendor. This element injects a sense of unexpected juxtaposition – the mundane activity of selling fruit alongside a symbol of urgent medical assistance. A collage-like quality is evident in the lower portion of the drawing; fragments of what seem to be postcards or printed materials are incorporated into the base of the stall, adding visual texture and suggesting a narrative beyond the immediate scene.
The artist’s use of color is striking. The vibrant greens and reds dominate the foreground, contrasting with the muted tones of the background. This draws attention to the central interaction between the vendor, the animal, and the produce. The overall effect is one of surrealism; a seemingly ordinary street market scene is disrupted by the presence of an exotic animal and the incongruous backdrop, prompting questions about the narrative context and underlying meaning. The inclusion of the anchor symbol on one of the boxes hints at themes of travel or displacement, potentially adding another layer to the work’s subtextual content.