As a photographer and chef, Mary McCartney's new vegan cookbook "Feeding Creativity" combines two subject areas that are not as different in essence as they first appear. One thing is clear: Experimenting with different components and getting a feel for the perfect combination is not only necessary in the creative industry, but also in cooking. In this cookbook, McCartney's versatile skills bring both areas into harmony, not least thanks to the appealing design.
"The idea just popped into my mind one day," writes Mary McCartney in her introduction. In connection with her work as a photographer, she met many great personalities, artists and musicians in the course of her life. She also regularly works for the artist Peter Blake, whom she often visits in his studio. "I am, by nature, a feeder", she says about herself when she describes how she cooks for the artist in his tiny kitchen on site and then has lunch with him, accompanied by inspiring conversations. She enjoyed it so much that it became the starting signal for a whole series of culinary encounters, which she then staged and now presents in this cookbook. Who is invited to the table varies. Many people know McCartney from a family context through her parents Linda and Paul McCartney, through her work as a photographer and director or from her cooking show "Mary McCartney Serves it Up!".
The recipes listed for these encounters are sorted according to breakfast, starters, soups and sandwiches, main courses and desserts. So there is something for everyone. Readers are guided through the chapters by playful illustrations in shades of red and pink and minimalist but striking typography. The layout is modern and unobtrusive despite the large-format headings. This underpins the effect of the large portraits and food photographs, which McCartney took independently and which appear just as coherent as the exclusively vegan recipes that are presented.
A short, personal introductory text about the respective person is placed next to a photo that authentically depicts them. This is followed by the recipe, which, in contrast to the introduction, gives a clear and factual account of the individual steps. The enticing pictures of the dishes are merely supplemented by short handwritten comments that lighten up and characterize the appearance.
Thanks to this sorted structure and design, readers can choose whether they just want to cook, browse through numerous stories or be inspired. "Feeding Creativitiy" appeals to anyone who loves vegan cuisine and enjoys culinary gatherings with creative influences.
The book will be published in November under the name "Feeding Creativity" by TASCHEN Verlag.
"Feeling Creativity", Mary McCartney
TASCHEN Verlag, Cologne
Hardcover, 21.5 x 28 cm, 1.349 kg
280 pages
ISBN 978-3-8365-8942-0 (English)
40 Euro
taschen.com
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Text: Johanna Schmees