Food, a basic human need, plays a central role within the family and is also a universally understood medium that exemplifies positive social values of empathy, hospitality, and duty. Communal meals encourage talking, sharing of stories and news, and they cultivate common values and attitudes like compassion, positive body image, and gratitude. Some of my fondest memories are of food, its surrounding traditions, and the communal bonding it encourage. Thus, it serves as a source of inspiration in my functional work. By creating pieces which encourages communal gathering, open communication, and sharing of beliefs, I am able to participate in that moment of celebration.
Photo credit: Lindsey Claire Adelman