So you’re about to dig in to a warm cinnamon bun, and… wait, all of a sudden, it seems an image of Mother Teresa has appeared on your sugary bun! Or maybe you see the Virgin Mary on your grilled cheese, Mickey Mouse on a cow, or how about the Pope on your morning pancake? What’s this about you ask? Well, you’re not the only one to question religious iconography on food: that’s exactly what Buzz Poole’s book, Madonna of the Toast (Mark Batty 2007) explores.
Humans, especially artists, have long questioned what it is that visually stimulates us, and have a tendency to recognize human forms in otherwise inhuman objects- from frosting to spots on a cow. Madonna of the Toast takes an in-depth look at the wide range and power of visual communication that surrounds us daily, whether we are aware of it or not.
Poole writes, “Whether on the level of sacrosanct devotion or pop kitsch, these forms become as relevant as the world’s finest art because they compel people to react; the objects in this book, emblazoned with faces and symbols recognized the world over, have been appraised at stunningly high sums, been toured around the globe and have inspired people to travel, pray, and steal.”
Whether you see the subjects in Madonna of the Toast as a bunch of loonies, or swear you just saw Krishna in your tea, it’s undeniable that this book will perk up your imagination and get you to question your own visual stimuli; and that’s worth its weight in gold, frankincense, and even myrrh.
Check out Madonna of the Toast for yourself at www.markbattypublisher.com.
So you’re about to dig in to a warm cinnamon bun, and… wait, all of a sudden, it seems an image of Mother Teresa has appeared on your sugary bun! Or maybe you see the Virgin Mary on your grilled cheese, Mickey Mouse on a cow, or how about the Pope on your morning pancake? What’s this about you ask? Well, you’re not the only one to question religious iconography on food: that’s exactly what Buzz Poole’s book, Madonna of the Toast (Mark Batty 2007) explores. 
