# State-Shaped Steaks Dominic Episcopo Uses Sirloins to Carve Out the USA By Tisah Tucknott | Published 2009-09-07 | Unique Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dominic-episcopo-steak References: [likecool](http://www.likecool.com/United_Steaks--Pic--Gear.html) & [huffingtonpost](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/09/04/the-united-steaks-of-amer_n_277529.html?slidenumber=0#slide_image) Dominic Episcopo is a rare artist who uses [meat as his canvas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dish-pics) of creativity. The Philadelphia artist uses [sirloins and ribeyes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chargrilled-sirloin-steak) to [carve out not only the continent](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/made-in-california-bar) of the United States, but several individual states as well. His series, called “The United Steaks of America,” includes states such as Texas, New Jersey and California. I wonder what Dominic Episcopo does with his meat after he's finished carving the slabs? **Implications** - Consumers like expressing their patriotism through various means because it satiates their desire to be individualistic. This is achieved once they share their accomplishments with other individuals, either through the Internet or in person, and they feel a sense of validation. Corporations can monetize consumer validation by offering their customers an outlet to express their individuality. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.3/10 - Popularity: 63% | Activity: 28% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Unique](https://www.trendhunter.com/unique) > [Bizarre](https://www.trendhunter.com/bizarre) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Meat Art:** Using meat as a medium for artistic expression presents disruptive innovation opportunities in the food and art industries. - **Patriotic Expression:** Capitalizing on consumers' desire to express their patriotism can lead to disruptive innovation in various industries, such as fashion and home decor. - **Validation Economy:** Creating platforms and products that allow consumers to showcase and validate their accomplishments can disrupt industries like social media and personal branding. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Food:** Exploring new ways to use meat as an artistic medium can disrupt the food industry by creating unique dining experiences and products. - **Art:** The incorporation of meat into artwork opens up new possibilities for disruptive innovation in the art industry, challenging traditional mediums and techniques. - **Fashion:** Designing patriotic clothing and accessories that enable individuals to express their national pride can disrupt the fashion industry by tapping into consumers' desire for individualistic expression. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Unusual Food Tattoo Challenges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/omaha-steak.md) - [Artisan Cheesesteak Jerky Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cheesesteak-jerky.md) - [Authentic American Meats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-team-usa-collection.md) - [Seasonal Steak Sampler Gifts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/prime-steak-sampler-gift-box.md) - [Food Appreciation Puzzles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/puzzle-thing-ny-heart.md) - [Ready-To-Cook Bacon Steaks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wildflour-bakery.md) - [Meat-Themed Brand Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jack-links-meat-retreat.md) - [Region-Specific Pizza Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/regionspecific-pizza.md) - [Chainsaw-Sliced Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chainsaw-sliced-sandwiches.md)