Make it
My 'Eat Sushi" Art Print £20 (A4), £40 (A3) next to Yuki's "Sushi at Home" book
If you love to eat sushi and want to learn how to make it then get yourself to Yuki's Kitchen in London. Highly recommended by me and everyone else online, she unlocks all the secrets of making sushi at home in her stunning kitchen in Crystal Palace. There are never more than eight people, and my class was full of enthusiastic food lovers with an informal and informative atmosphere.
eat it
I took the "Let's Roll" class and left feeling totally confident about making my own sushi at home, full after a delicious sushi lunch (made my me!) and brimming with inspiration to paint some sushi as soon as I got the chance! Not only is it healthy and delicious; it has to be one of the most aesthetically pleasing types of food.
I became a bit obsessed. I studied the art of sushi presentation, the sushi menu poster, I watched the award-winning 2011 documentary Jiro Dreams of Sushi: a beautiful, fascinating film that portrays the life of Jiro Ono, Master Sushi Chef and owner of three-Michelin-starred sushi restaurant Sukiyabashi Jiro. Dedicated to the point of obsession, Jiro is wholly committed to creating the perfect sushi; a little bit frightening and incredibly inspiring all at the same time!
“Once you decide on your occupation... you must immerse yourself in your work. You have to fall in love with your work. Never complain about your job. You must dedicate your life to mastering your skill. That’s the secret of success... and is the key to being regarded honorably.”
paint it
I was in love! I spent two days straight painting sushi. The freshness of the ingredients ensure the brightest of colours and complex natural patterns in the plumpest of textures. I took the traditional minimalist approach to the layout of my painting, with a nod to the familiar sushi menu poster. I wanted to add some typography.
Enter some traditional Japanese etiquette. Before eating; say 'ITADAKIMASU', bow slightly and then you may start. A basic translation is 'to humbly accept', rooted in Japan's Buddhist past which teaches respect for all living things. GOSHISOUSAMA is said at the end of the meal to show appreciation of the food and those that prepared it; "That was delicious!".
Here's the result! A bright original watercolour, reproduced as a giclee print in sizes A4 and A3. Great art to put up in your kitchen or a gift for any sushi lover.
your chance to choose my next "eat" print:
"Eat Sushi" is the second in my "Eat" Print Collection. The first was "Eat Oysters" and you can read all about it here.
What would you like to see for the next in the series? It could be a specific recipe you love, a type of cuisine, a cooking method....share your thoughts in the comments below...
