In January 2018 I was full of inspiration to find out about ideas and actions that were different in the food world. I craved a story with a deep respect for the environment before anything else. I had heard about Wolfgat and the foraging culture Kobus van der Merwe used there. Mostly it sounded like a chef who was doing something a bit differently and ye[...]
A trip to Jozi to spend a day in three different kitchens led me to Urbanologi at last. I was writing and photographing for an article about Jozi staff meals and after I had thoroughly intruded on what is usually a peaceful staff chow, I couldn't pass up the opportunity of staying to experience the night service. A coffee and chat with head chef Jack Co[...]
Our favourite Cape Town bakery, Schoon, has relocated and opened up a little shop in Somerset West. When I visited, it was clear that they already have a loyal local patronage and a warm, authentic feeling is in this very pretty space. Coffee is strong, bread is sour and dark, and the pastries are light and nibbly. Perfection and integrity as usual. The c[...]
I am often asked where I get my inspiration from or why I choose to create what I do. It's not quite straightforward as I create for many different reasons with many mediums, and each of those with their different reasons for exploration. Inspiration is everywhere and limitless. Life inspires me, the miracle of living and my personal choices within it ins[...]
I recently photographed a travel guide for design-minded travellers, edition Cape Town. I was asked to photograph a dish, a portrait of the head chef Freddie Dias and an interior or two. The Pot Luck Club was on that list of must-see places of course, but just capturing the required images would have been a colossal waste of fortuitous circumstances. I often[...]
I was craving a big wodge of tangy, creamy cheesecake. Also, as usual I had a craving to make pretty pictures of sweet, colourful foods with flowers. This recipe is quite easy if you have a food processor and a desire for healthy food making. The essential two ingredients are soaked cashew nuts and blueberries – fresh or frozen is all good. If you wish, yo[...]
The unstoppable empire that is Bertus Basson opened a new restaurant, Eike, in the heart of historic Stellenbosch town last week. The cosy, pretty dining room offers an intimate atmosphere. The menu is a celebration of what's good right now seasonally in South African ingredients while drawing on nostalgia, all re-interpreted by Bertus' outlook[...]
When I have been photographing lots of clean images for clients, I find I need a change from the predictable and what is necessary commercially. That's when I break out my most extreme elements of the art creation process: trick lenses, rare foods, bright colours or patterns and far-out editing and styling. Why? Because if I don't move through the world,[...]
I adore my Lensbaby lenses and Venice is one of my favourite cities in the world. I spent one of my days in Venice just using my 50mm double glass optic on the Composer Pro and my Nikon D610.[...]
I have asked myself this question so many times: "What is my style?" People often remark that they can tell if a photograph is mine, because they recognize my style. What style? What do they recognize? If I describe my style, I say it is dreamy, attentive and impressionistic. I achieve this by choosing certain equipmen[...]
I was recently asked to write an article for one of my favourite magazines. I would be photographing the restaurants the article featured as well. Now, as I'm sure you can understand, this was beyond daunting. Exciting, but scary. The first things that go through my basic human mind when asked to do something new or out of my comfort zone is... "What[...]
This is not a cheery subject to approach as it causes so much turmoil in the mind and heart of creatives, but I promise you, this post has a happy ending... I have only been painting for about a year or so, but I am quite familiar with the tortured artist scenario. We question ourselves so much when we should really just be painting, or drawin[...]