Page 84 of Dante

Then I detail my idea of creating a caricature of chefs as a wall design, illustrating the fun and casual concept and cuisine for the restaurant.

“It will be a place where people can relax and have fun before or after visiting our family’s nightclub and casino,” I conclude. “But it will be classy. A bit upscale.”

When I stop speaking, my eyes anchored on Professor Washington, I brace myself for his laughter.

How ridiculous my idea must sound.

But he only smiles with genuine excitement. “What a fresh idea.”

“Fresh meaning good?”

“Yes, exactly. A new look at the iconic art form of yesteryear.”

“The only challenge is that I don’t know how to take the drawing from my sketch pad to the restaurant interior. I’ve only worked on a small scale.”

“Well, the good news is that you won’t have to climb ladders and sketch directly on a wall, as you might have done in Michelangelo’s day.”

“I was hoping that would be the case,” I say, and we both laugh.

Biscotti joins the laughter with his own yip.

I pick him up and cuddle him close. “So, what is the process? I’ll need to explain it to Dante’s brothers.”

“First, you’ll finish your sketch and await my approval. Then it’s a simple matter of choosing one of the better mural installers in town to bring your vision to the appropriate dimensions.”

“Good,” I say, trying to hide my relief. When I’m in front of Dante’s brothers, it’s important that I know what I’m saying.

“Do you have any preliminary sketches?”

“Yes,” I say, taking out my sketch pad and handing it to him. “I was thinking of a group of five chefs, each with a different expression. I want them to represent the collective idea of an old-school Italian, with exaggerated emotions on each face.”

“I’m not much of a foodie,” Professor Washington says, patting his considerable belly, “though you might think that to look at me. I never considered chefs in this way before. What kind of expressions would they have?”

“I worked in a restaurant as a teen, and we had all temperaments of chefs. But my memory is not important. I must strive to create the collective memory of the archetypal Italian chef.”

“I see,” he says, looking closely at my sketch.

My stomach tightens as I watch. I’m always nervous when people assess my work.

“Well. What do you think?” I finally ask.

“Your sketches are elementary, but the proportions are nice.”

“Good to go as is?”

“Not quite. It needs some fine tuning,” he says. “And you have five chefs here. That number will crowd your mural. Reduce the number to three.”

I take out my pad and make some notes.

“Is that all?”

Professor Washington takes a closer look at my caricature.

“Sharpen the expressions on the chefs’ faces. Each stroke of your pencil is important. Research restaurant wall murals. Remember that some details may not transfer from a small to larger size. When you’re ready bring in your next round of sketches, and I’ll approve them…or not.”

“Got it,” I say, relieved that I can face Dante and his brothers with confidence.

I stand to leave but turn back at the last moment. “Professor, I heard about the art competition and looked at the designs of other students. Would I be able to submit my caricature idea as well?”