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It is uncomfortable and awkward when people make assumptions based on your artwork and appearance. I have been asked this question tons of times over the years, especially by people who have seen my work but had not previously met me in person, and I still don't know the best way to answer it.

"Wow, you paint a lot of sweets.  You are not what I expected. How do you stay slender?"

Umm, AWKWARD!

Of course, when I am asked this question, I typically get flustered and don't answer the way I would like to, as I believe they are trying to pay me a compliment.  My go to response, to make the conversation end quickly, is "I exercise a lot," but that is not really it.  

My love for candy and baked goods is a source of inspiration and aesthetic preference, rather than a reflection on my personal dietary and lifestyle habits.  Tempting desserts spark memories of happiness, nourishment, nostalgia, positive rituals, and social connections.   Without the immediate ability to taste the sweets, the focus can shift from urgent gratification to admiration of its beauty, form, chroma, texture, and all the happy emotions that it elicits. 

Do not get me wrong, I do have a sweet tooth, especially when stress eating, and I love to sample my subject matter.  However, artistic inspiration can come from a variety of sources, and my interpretation of sweets in my artwork is the way I express my creativity and message, not what I eat on a daily basis.

 I really do have the cake and eat it too and I hope my artwork translates that message to the viewer.