Goals for “Is Food Art”
- Examine methods for evaluating qualities of art, such as product versus process, the difference between craft and fine art, must art be archival, and what is an aesthetic reaction.
- Explore the notion of food as an artform.
- Consider cultural differences in the production and consumption food
ARTIFACT: IS FOOD ART?
Is Food Art? Discussion:
For this weeks article called “Food as Art” by, Elizabeth Telfer was very interesting to read about in the sense that she was trying to connect food and art. Telfer first tries to explain philosophers arguments of food and art, “Although food and drink can give rise to aesthetic reactions, they cannot constitute works of art.” (Telfer 12) When I read this statement it really made me think about what could be considered art from food. I think what these philosophers are saying is completely wrong. I have seen many dishes at fancy restaurants, and the alignment of how the chef places them I would consider art. This is because the chef chef is looking to please the customer with the presentation, which is what artist do when they display art in a museum. Another example of what I would consider food art are all the competitions of the cake decorating competitions, or any sorts of competitions like that. I would consider this art because these competitors are are trying to create figures and objects using food and presenting it to be judged. Most of the time too they are judged on criteria based on art so I would consider food to be art unlike these philosophers that Telfer used in her article. When Telfer uses quotes to illustrate the approach of cooking and tries to relate that to art I found it very interesting and kind of agreed. An example of this is, “… the results is homely rather than an elegant sweet, with the sharpness of the cherries contrasting with the mildness of the filling.” (Fawcett and Strang 101) Even when this book was being quoted about cooking food it gave me a clear image of what it was describing, which is what I would consider art. The fact that they described food makes me think that food can be art just as much as anything else. I think when it comes down to it food can be art, and I really think that someday people will see it and consider it art.
Reflection:
This topic to me is very interesting because when looking at Telfer’s article she says this about food art, “Although food and drinks can give rise to aesthetic reactions, they cannot constitute the works of art” (12 Telfer). I found this to be very interesting because I have seen many television shows where food is constructed and considered as art. Also I think that cooking as a whole and the final product can be considered art as well. Telfer makes some very interesting points about art, but fails to see the big picture of how food can be considered as art.
I chose this assignment as my artifact because I think it is important for people to realize that food should be considered as art. It is true that almost anything can be considered as art, but for some reason food to people isn’t considered art. I think that the whole process of cooking and gathering the ingredients is a type of art, and the finished product is another kind of art, but both being considered art.
I chose this photo because this is something that I consider art, and is made out of all food. I also enjoyed that it was Sesame Street characters.
Future Intentions:
I will continue to try and get a proper definition of food art. I have always enjoyed the presentation of art as well as the taste. I don’t think I truly appreciate food art, but I will continue to try and develop this skill, by maybe taking cooking classes or cooking for my family. Food art is one of the most incredible things to see and I think in the future it will not be questioned as art.
Bibliography: