I’ve heard it said from colleagues in the art world that “food is not art”. That pastry, stew, or cocktail should not hold the same space as a symphony, mural, or sculpture. I strongly disagree. And when tasting through my neighbors’ recipes in this year’s cookbook, and reading through each memory and inspiration, it is undeniable that they are artists.
Food is an artform that nourishes our mind, body, and soul, unique among other forms of creative expression in its capacity to physically change us. It was the chosen medium for so many of our working class ancestors. They used what they had on hand, what they could grow and gather from their environment, to express their values and show their love for those they cared for. Food transcribes our cultural histories, and communicates these histories in ways that are more immediately accessible than any other form.
I have taken up collecting and attempting to preserve our food history in homage to my grandmother, Betty Henry, who passed in 2017. She taught me how to cook as a child, how to express my love for others through food. And so I work to pass her love on to each of you.
Unique to this cookbook, if you follow the QR code below, you will find a soundtrack for each recipe. You can use this as a way to sample the recipe before cooking it. Listen to your neighbor’s lasagna and decide whether you are ready for something so heavy this evening. But for the best experience, after cooking the dish, put the soundtrack on in your headphones while eating, and treat yourself to an aligned cultural experience for all 5 senses. Artful eating through full sensory immersion.
Enjoy!
Clockwork Janz
Thank you to residents of Fishers and the patrons at the Fishers Farmer's Market for contributing these recipes!
Joshua Haines aka Mr. Yashi is the illustrator on this project. Andrea Haydon is the graffic designer for this project. Clockwork Janz curated this cookbook and wrote some of the music. Alexandro Cazares also wrote much of the music.
This project would not be possible without the administrative help of Erica Foreman, Trevor Wildey, Marissa Deckert of the city of Fishers. Thank you to the Fishers Arts and Culture Commission for supporting this project!