The weather is getting cold. It has been challenging to get things done. I wanted to take a moment to find the right headspace for this post and share a video from an illustration series I worked on inspired by Italian food. The process video, paired with music, can also serve as a form of meditation whenever needed. It is also an opportunity to reflect on the role of food in art, our habits and memories. I have always thought of food as a human connector. One that has the power to capture something deeper than what we experience in a single bite. It evokes a unique, indescribable feeling that transcends words.
Cooking and baking is both physical and mental therapy.
7 Ideas on the Art of Food that Captivate + Goodie
Food Pilgrim Artist: Giuseppe Arcimboldo
Creative Awe
Voice-over video: BTS of my drawing process
🍜 7 Ideas on the Art of Food that Captivate
Food is a universal language shared by all creatures on this planet. For many, it begins as a means of survival, but for others, it has evolved into a source of pleasure and enjoyment. We are constantly influenced by real food and images of food, both challenging how we consume and perceive it.
Food is a source of human pleasure, a magnet for stories and memories We all have dishes we cherish, tied to moments shared with loved ones. Food is both a means of communication and a celebration of what humans do best: connect and interact. Our reasons and ways of eating have evolved, and so has our understanding of food culture. From the pragmatic and responsible use of food for sustenance to the rich experiences we enjoy today, the perception of food has undergone centuries of transformation. Yet, it’s important to remember that not everyone has access to food. We must remain mindful of this disparity. Bridging the gap to ensure abundance for everyone remains a focus and worthy ideal.
Food as a language Each country and culture has its own food, reflecting its traditions and ways of living together. Food becomes a connector in business, marriage, travel, and beyond. We can speak with food by the food choices we make. When we are in certain moods, specific foods seem to take the lead. These choices convey more than just a message. They show respect, care, love, admiration, and much more to the person honoring the dish. Food speaks louder than language itself!
Food and artists I have already drawn food before. Actually, in art school, our first drawing and painting exercises often revolved around still life (nature morte). We would sketch compositions of fruits and vegetables, learning about form, structure, color, and character—all from a subject we could eat at the end of class.
Food has always inspired artists, reflecting our deep, nurturing connection to its variety. It serves as both a material and a subject, offering fascinating designs that never fail to amaze. Many fruits, vegetables, and even recipes surprise us by disrupting expectations. A dish might not taste as it looks, challenging our visual instincts and perceptions. What fascinates me even more is the intricate richness of details and the natural "technology" within each organic food we enjoy. How does the water end up in a coconut? What about the vibrant red of beetroot? Simply legendary. And the list goes on...
Food and healing There’s a paradox in how food can both heal and, at times, how not eating can also be a healing tool. Depending on the state of your body, more food can threaten both physical and mental health. Yet, when approached with knowledge and balance, food remains the best medicine we have as a species. There’s no denying the joy food brings. Cooking, in particular, immerses us in a creative state that fosters peace, joy, awareness, responsiveness, and play. Using cooking and eating as mental tools can be transformative. I always remember my first meal after a fast—it’s pure joy to taste again and to discover new nuances in a fruit or vegetable. That experience is healing; it grounds you in the present moment.
Meditation in food and drawing In the art of drawing lies a meditative state. One that shapes how we decode a message and translate it into colors, forms, ideas, emotions and more. The emotional lineage in drawing food serves as a foundation for deeper exploration. As you observe, you capture not only the visual essence but also the aftermath of the experience of eating. It’s a journey into texture, form, vibrant color, and exquisite design thinking. Observing nature leaves you in awe! There is a humbling quality in seizing what it has to say.
Drawing food as a language Drawing food is a challenging task. The reality of food is already so accurately captured through photography that illustration may not be the first choice. Illustration creates a story to the story. Food doesn’t need more layers to be loved and adored. Yet, through illustration, it becomes a new language. One that can be light, detailed, abstract, bold, disruptive, and so much more.
An economy of taste Our era has elevated food beyond its primal function, turning it into entertainment. We are constantly bombarded with cooking shows and competitions, where chefs—both professional and amateur—compete to be crowned the best. At the same time, there are essential documentaries exploring how our new food is digested in our bodies. As well as food heroes and heroines who are democratizing sustainable eating practices.
This is a pivotal topic, especially in the context of climate change. As creatives, we have the opportunity to tackle the subject. But also, spread awareness and tap into the changing tastes of different audiences. Food is a leading character in our human story, generating massive revenue. The big question is: Is it fair* to those who produce the food we crave daily?
* Are farmers, workers in food production, and others in the supply chain treated fairly? There are concerns about the conditions under which food is produced, such as fair wages, working conditions, and environmental impact. But also, the sustainability of food production. There is an imbalance between the high demand and profit for food products versus the potential hardships faced by those who grow, harvest, or process the food.
🔥 I will soon kickstart an interview series for creatives on the newsletter and one of our first guests is a chef. We will dive into food as a multifaceted experience. I keep you updated on that! Don’t forget to downoad your free wallpapers from the illustration series. Enjoy!
Giuseppe Arcimboldo, also known as Arcimboldi or Arcimboldus, was an Italian Mannerist painter. He is renowned for his imaginative portraits composed of cleverly arranged elements such as plants, animals or objects.
I remember the first time I saw one of the paintings of Giuseppe Arcimboldo, it was in art school. His Four Seasons forming four characters was impressive in precision. It was surprising and so smart. I loved his innovative use of food to create emotions and characters. He was a unique artist who built a body of work that celebrates nature and storytelling. Each character embodied fruits, vegetables, objects and even animals. They revealed more about how we perceive reality and fiction. He did blur the lines between the two, inviting us to see the world with creativity and playfulness.
Art is everywhere, and anything can be a tool for creation. From nature-inspired compositions to paintings, Arcimboldo created a language. One that captured with humoristic and critical eyeparadoxes of an era.
What about you? If you could be portrayed as a mix of ingredients, what would they be? Those eyes, that nose, that jawline—what fruits or vegetables could capture your unique design? (A prompt for next time!)
🌶 Full-time eater(Mark Wiens' childlike joy of eating is contagious and his mastery of spices is legendary. He explores a rich and diverse food culture that reminds us how much we share in the end).
🥇 Food magnetism(I wrote an article about food brands and explored how trends and platforms have elevated the art of food to a form of aspiration. With a growing market and increasing interest, many creators in the food arena are standing out powerfully, sharing with us tips on the language of the era).
👨🏾🎨 Grafik is an inspiration library(This website is gold. You can explore inspiration from various fields, whether you are looking for ideas for a project or simply enjoying good design. Graphic design has evolved so much! It’s fascinating to witness how ideas continue to expand and disrupt).
Thank you for reading! As always, if this letter brings some light to your day → 💖put a heart on it and feel free to share it with peers, friends, and family, as it helps more people discoverthis space. You can find more ways to share the love here. I leave you with my tune of the week, and below you will find the voice-over video.
Sending🧣vibes. Keva.
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