As is true of many of the subjects that I paint, this country store is near my home in south central Indiana. Being in a small town, far from the main stream and major highways, the little general store is able to survive without the threat of shopping centers and urban development.

While touring the blue highways and back roads, we still occasionally come across one of these survivors. The temptation is to stop and go in, have an ice cold NeHi, or a cold cut sandwich from the meat counter, or just ask for directions from the friendly proprietors. To some folks, this is like stepping back into time to enjoy fond memories when actually, the time is now.

- Luke Buck