Artistic Expression

Greetings all my friends…. How I have missed you. I agree it has been far too long since I last posted and for that I am sorry.

I sit here watching the series of Top Chef called Top Chef Masters. The season is different because it doesn’t feature names none of us have heard; instead it brings together some of the greatest culinary minds our country has to offer such as Herbert Keller, Rick Baylass, and Art Smith. As I sit and marvel at the culinary genius that is being displayed, I ask myself: Where did these great chefs learn the skills they possess? Where did they learn the vast amount food based knowledge? While many of them went to culinary schools, worked under another great chef, or studied their mother work in the kitchen, the fact is that these great minds can only learn ways to harness their skills and put them on a plate to share with others. Their creativity is something that cannot be taught; it is deep inside, an untrained artistic expression that school helps showcase. A chef’s artistic ability is no different than that of a great painter, designer, or photographer. But then why is culinary arts not taught in schools?

Schools around the country offer numerous classes that allow a student to showcase their talent in different media forms, whether that is in the form of clay, wood, or paper. However, very few classes are offered that allow expression in the form of food. Now when I was in school it was required that a student complete a minimum number of art courses. None of the classes offered me a chance to showcase my artistic ability. Painters, sculptors, and even craftsmen were given a chance to perform; but what about those who were like me? There was nothing. At the most, some schools offer courses like home economics, which do nothing to but show how to make a grilled cheese sandwich. This fact upsets me. Think about how many great chefs our world would have if schools would offer the chance for other types of artistic expression. The same emotions can be felt through a great painting can be felt through a well prepared dish. Food affects more senses than any other form of art. What’s the reason? Food is looked at as a craft, a social necessity, not an art form. That way of thinking is a crime. As a society we need to stand up and show that art can be edible, that an artistic mind can do more than make a coffee mug out of clay; it can bring back a memory, bring people together, and feed someone at the same time.

For those who read this (however few you may be) I ask for your help. Speak to the schools, speak to the students, let them know that food is there for them to express themselves.