As we've seen before, food isn't only for eating, it can also be used for art! That's the way Andrea Bricco also sees it. This Wisconsin native grew up working for her parents in the restaurant business. It was during this period of her life that she learned to appreciate the art of food presentation. With her creativity and interest in food and photography, she has created seasonal landscapes on dinner plates!
Each plate signifies a different season – Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer. These plates do a great job of capturing the heart of each. Leaves falling, snow piling up, plants growing and the sun shining – all this food looks too perfect to eat!
We got in touch with the photographer to ask her a few questions. Read that interview, below, while enjoying her works.
I understand that you grew up in your family's restaurant. I have to ask. Did your parents ever ask you to stop playing with your food?
Food was a big part of my family's life growing up. We were always cooking together as a family and my dad especially made sure my sister and I tried new foods and explored in that area. He even convinced me to bring a lobster tail to Show and Tell when I was a kid, so I guess you could say they didn't deter me, they inspired me.
At what point did you realize that you wanted to become a professional photographer?
As a kid, my bedroom walls were covered in photos I had torn out from magazines over the years, floor to ceiling covered and they weren't pictures of boy bands and other kid stuff. It was more along the lines of a beautifully lit pair of shoes from Interview or a cake from Bon Apptit. I remember sitting in my room around the age of 16 and thinking that photography seemed like fun, maybe I could do that.
Do you have a particular favorite food to shoot? Why?
I really do enjoy shooting desserts. Think about it, the very nature of a dessert is fun, a treat for your senses.
Who are some of your inspirations?
Sally Mann was a big inspiration growing up. I remember loving how unapologetically she shared her true family life with the world. My inspiration food-wise comes often times just from being at a restaurant, whether I'm eating there or shooting. I just feel at home in a restaurant. I also love Gastronomica magazine and was recently introduced to Heston Blumenthal's television series Feast.
How do you stay creative?
I stay creative by paying attention to what's happening around me and I shoot often with prop and food stylists who inspire me. I think the key to staying creative is to keep shooting even when you're not getting paid.
What's next for you?
What's next for me? Traveling the world photographing talented chefs, unique restaurants and gorgeous plates of food. I'm excited by the idea of not knowing what's next.
Andrea Bricco's website
Food Styling by Diana Perrin of Casa de Perrin
