Maxy’s Deli is a layered work that centers on themes of community, healing, and self-determined boundaries. At its core, the piece explores the role of Maxy—the owner of a healing-centered deli—as both a caretaker and a gatekeeper. Maxy embodies the idea that healing spaces, much like individuals, have the right to choose who is allowed entry. Her deli is more than just a storefront—it is a sanctuary, a place where she exercises her agency to protect and nurture those within it.

For anyone who has spent time in New York City, particularly in neighborhoods like the Bronx or Brooklyn, the cultural importance of delis and bodegas is undeniable. These spaces serve not only as hubs for quick necessities—soaps, food, detergent, hot meals—but also as vital centers for networking, community relief, and daily connection. Often, the owners of these stores know every neighbor by name, acting as anchors in the fabric of their communities.

My firsthand experiences in the Bronx and Brooklyn have shown me the powerful role these delis play in cultivating a sense of belonging and resilience. Maxy’s Deli draws directly from that lived truth, celebrating the bodega as a communal space of care, protection, and identity.