As the culture for good food continues to penetrate our national psyche, the convergence of eating out – and eating in – into other contemporary cultures (art, design, music etc.) continues apace. Time then for a publication that truly celebrates the relationship between food culture and creativity; enter, The Gourmand. From crocodile fishing to a musical tour of Brixton Market with dance music’s The 2 Bears, David Shrigley’s opera to an illustrated celebration of the humble kebab, this is a seasonal journal that blasts our kind of creativity into the world of cuisine, with deft flair.
Co-founded, edited and designed by David Lane (co-founder of the brilliant Inventory Studio) and Marina Tweed (a project manager who’s worked for the likes of Soho House Group and Caprice Holdings), The Gourmand promises to become a breeding ground for food and culture thinking – with talks, exhibitions, events and workshops already being discussed. We caught up with David to put him through the Create GB Q&A…
© Jamie Brown, Luke Kirwan & Gourmand
Where’s your hometown, and where are you based now?
Lewes, East Sussex is our home town but we have been living in London for 10 years.
Do you think location affects creativity?
I think it really depends on what field you are working in and how you wish your work to be perceived. If your medium requires a good deal of collaboration and networking then obviously being in a creative hub such as London is essential, but if your work is more personal and introverted then it is not necessary. Both can be equally creative in their own way.
Is Britain’s creative industry too London-centric?
Potentially yes but I think this is unavoidable. London is such a rich melting pot of cultures and creativity and the creative industries will always get the most from it.
© Sat Bulsara & Gourmand
© David Lane & Gourmand
How would you describe British creativity?
I believe Britain’s creativity is a sum of its willingness to embrace the new whilst appreciating its rich heritage.
If we could replace the Queen on bank notes with one iconic British design, which would you choose?
The Rolling Stones’ tongue and lips logo.
What do you think the rest of the world’s view of British creativity is?
I believe that people do hold British creativity in high regard. The heritage of culture here helps, and the fact that there are British people occupying such prominent roles within the creative industries across the world.
Are there any quintessential British traditions that inform your work?
There is a fantastic tradition of publishing in Britain and a great tradition of typographic design.
© David Shrigley & Gourmand
© Thibaud Herem & Gourmand
The top 3 British creatives who have inspired you?
Fletcher Forbes and Gill, the original and best British design studio. They did everything, and did it brilliantly.
Will you be watching the Olympics?
Yes.
Which sport would you like to compete in at London 2012?
Cricket, although I don’t think it will ever be an Olympic sport.
You couldn’t live without…
Bread and butter.
What makes you smile?
When the sun shines on my day off.
© Jamie Brown, Luke Kirwan & Gourmand
© Robin Friend & Gourmand
The best piece of advice you’ve ever been given…
That you only regret things you don’t do.
Fish and chips, Cornish pasties… what’s your favourite British dish?
You cannot beat a classic roast chicken, good gravy, roast potatoes, bread sauce, greens and carrots. Heaven.
We’re going to the pub and we’re buying, what are you drinking?
Guinness.
What’s next for you?
Issue 01 and beyond. We also have lots of exciting projects planned combining food, art and music.
© Sat Bulsara & Gourmand
