Petition for the Bertuccis is inspired by the St. Joseph Altars in New Orleans. The work and devotion required to create the altar is dedicated to St. Joseph that he might intercede for others in need. Visitors are often invited to place their special intentions in a bowl on the altar, for example, petiitions for the safe return of a soldieer from war, or the health of a loved one.

The patterns are derived from photographs derived from the altar: fig bread and the Virgin Mary crowned with stars, Other source material inlcludes a Pieris,japonica and rubber toads which I use as milagros. Milagros are small metal images left at altars as a form of prayer for recovery from illness or as a means of giving thanks for healing. The toad is a symbol used in milagros as a prayer for pregnant women. St. Joseph is the patron saint of families. I have been told that lemons placed on the altar are for young women who are trying to conceive or for high risk pregnancies.