'Where Culinary Meets Canvas'
"Here I am—Horst the Chef, fusing the flavors of culinary arts with the colors of visual arts!"
* Merging the Flavors of Culinary Arts with the Expressions of Visual Art
* Unifying Culinary Mastery and Artistic Vision into a Seamless Creative Experience
Blending the worlds of culinary arts and visual arts
As an innovative artist and experienced chef, I have
seamlessly merged my culinary expertise with my passion for visual art. My
unique technique involves using pigments extracted from herbs and spices, along
with wine reductions, to create vibrant and textured masterpieces. With a rich
background in food styling and over four decades as a chef and culinary
educator, I have honed a refined sense of presentation, color composition, and
creative expression.
My recent work explores the dissolution of food-based
pigments from ingredients such as saffron, turmeric, and chili in wine and wine
reductions. These pigments are often stabilized using clear acrylic, gesso or
Mod Podge, ensuring the longevity and vibrancy of my artwork. Additionally, I
experiment with using wine and charcoal derived from burned wine bottle corks
to create unique textures and depth on canvas.
By blending the worlds of culinary arts and visual arts, I
offer a distinctive perspective that celebrates the sensory experience of both
fields. My journey as the WineFood Painter continues to evolve, pushing the
boundaries of traditional art with my innovative use of food and wine as
mediums.
___Food meets canvas___
Transforming the
spice-rack to a paint palette; and declare, "Horst is painting pictures
now,- with taste!"
The old baking tray becomes my unconventional canvas. And the
brush, dipped in wine, swirled through a palette of mixed herbs and spices
creates unique images.
Aromatics brushed on the canvas, creating a feast for the
eyes arranged with artistic design. The kitchen transformed into a gallery of savoury
masterpieces.
So my culinary 'spiced up 'creations take on a life of their
own.
The aromas dance in
tune with the wine, merging heaven and earth in one frame.
Mostly in harmony; yet sometimes wild. The metaphor 'sharp
picture' gained a new meaning.
"These paintings you won't forget. Even if you wish, you
can't eat them – they're not for consumption, except for your eyes."
My pictures with "flavour" designed just for fun;
and yet with style and heart; they become a work of culinary art .
And you are invited to take those pictures and store them in the gallery of your happy memories.
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Title: Look at Me...
Horst, the WineFood artist, presents another captivating mixed media piece that blends culinary elements with philosophy. The canvas background is prepared using the earthy tones of burned bottle cork and the golden warmth of saffron. At the centre is a mirrored image of a large wine goblet, whose stem subtly forms the profiles of two human faces, shadowing towards each other. Symbols of grapes and a single wine leaf resting within the headspace of the human faces, drawing connections between nature, wine, and self-reflection. The goblet itself transitions in a gradient from deep Shiraz red to a Chardonnay yellowish-green. Look at Me... explores the concept of looking through the lens of relaxed wine enjoyment,; - reminding us that, with close enough look, we all reveal our different faces.
"Look what I can do...and what I can't"
by Horst the WineFood artist is a compelling mixed media piece, blending Shiraz, spice reduction, and coffee grounds to form the canvas background. The artwork depicts a mirrored wine goblet, with its stem interestingly shaped into the profiles of two human faces—one gazing slightly down, the other optimistic upwards. Anchored by wine leaves at the base, the goblet and the headspace of the faces remain in rustic Shiraz red and coffee brown spice tones. Philosophically charged, the piece represents self-reflection, where morning coffee symbolizes motivation to change, and evening wine embodies acceptance. The symbolic statement, "Give me coffee to change what I can, and wine to accept what I can’t," encapsulates the duality of life’s challenges and contentment.
Portal to the Wine Labyrinth
Mixed media on a charcoal and red wine canvas: in this artwork Horst invites viewers into a mystical, ancient wine cellar. Framed by Mataro wine leaves and pruning off-cuts, the light-filled portal leads into the heart of a barrel room where monks of an ancient monastery revel in the secrets of wine making and the pleasure of wine drinking. Airbrush and brushwork create the ethereal glow, symbolizing hope and celebration. The labyrinthine journey through this wine cellar offers more than wine—it brings light to the dark, hope to the hopeless, and the promise of a strong morning coffee to face the day. While people may say there’s light at the end of the tunnel, in this wine labyrinth, light guides the way from beginning to end.
"Skyline with Wine Bottle and Glass"
...is a minimalistic mixed media artwork. White kitchen twine forms the outline of a wine bottle and glass, resembling a skyline. Best enjoyed in the evening with a glass of red wine, the artwork casts elegant shadows, adding to the atmospheric glow against the soft background. Wine leaves, attached with gesso and white acrylic paint, add texture to the canvas, while a black vine branch with tendrils elegantly adorns the top right corner of this stylish black-and-white piece.
"The Flamingo Would Be Gray"
"The Flamingo Would Be Gray" is a mixed media acrylic piece featuring a Shiraz reduction background with a darkened vignette created using ash from burned bottle cork. Minimalist gold and green lines subtly form the shapes of a wine bottle and glass, while a grapevine weaves itself into the composition. The philosophy behind the flamingo is central: naturally gray, flamingos only turn pink due to their high intake of carotenoids, also found in grape skins. The wine drinker, however, remains unaffected—neither turning pink nor gaining the ability to fly. This thought-provoking work highlights the delicate interplay between nature, nourishment, and transformation, while making fun of the symbolism of the flamingo and the drinker.
"Crafted by Nature: The Art of Ancient Winemaking"
Horst’s mixed media wine-art features a Shiraz-drenched canvas with dark lines in the background, created using charred bottle cork. The vignette surrounding the piece is also pigmented with charred cork, giving it a textured depth. Airbrushed green wine leaves glow with a golden aura, while Merlot grapes are delicately stamped with a round sponge. Both the bottle and glass shapes emerge softly through airbrush techniques. Symbolically, the piece reflects the natural process of winemaking and the ancient human craftsmanship used to preserve fruit, celebrating a centuries-old tradition that predates modern chemicals and technology, highlighting the intrinsic bond between nature and artisan skill.
This Glass is Half Full; -and Going!
Medium: Mixed media on Shiraz-gesso canvas
Artist: Horst Berger
Under the motto: This Glass is Half Full; -and Going! I have created about 10 compositions
Half Full or Half Empty?
Half full or half empty; - Irrelevant if the wine is still flowing!
This suggestive piece is painted on a triple Shiraz-stained canvas, with the deep red hues forming a rich, textured background. The wineglass and bottle shapes are delicately piped with precision, using a piping bag typically reserved for chocolate writing on cakes and desserts. The tips of the autumn wine leaves, intricately detailed and stained with red wine and beetroot, add a vibrant touch. The grapevine branch, rendered in black and gray with charred bottle cork, provides a stark, rustic contrast. The bottle label, bearing the mysterious letters XY, poses an often discussed question: Is wine male or female? This mixed media artwork combines Shiraz-stained canvas, charcoal, natural wine leaves, and acrylic to create a piece that is as thought-provoking as it is visually stunning.
"This Glass is Half Full; -and Going!" is a attractive mixed media piece that invites viewers to look into the interplay of materials and themes. The artwork is crafted on a Shiraz-gesso canvas, providing a rich, textured backdrop that enhances the depth of the composition.
Horst employs a diverse range of materials to bring this piece to life. The use of piping back to shape the wine bottle and wine glass adds a unique dimension, making these elements stand out as almost sculptural forms. Wine leaves, drenched in mod pod, are delicately incorporated, adding an organic quality to the canvas. These leaves, coupled with vine branches painted using charred bottle cork, create a sense of authenticity and connection to the natural origins of wine.
A focal point of the painting is the subtle "XY" painted on the bottle, sparking a provocative dialogue about the gendered perceptions of wine. This element challenges viewers to consider whether wine is as feminine or masculine.
This artwork is not just a visual feast but also a conceptual exploration, inviting the audience to ponder and discuss its layered meanings. The combination of traditional and unconventional materials, along with the thought-provoking symbolism, makes "This Glass is Half Full; -and Going!" an engaging piece in contemporary mixed media art.
'Water to wine with the help of the Sun'
Medium: utilizes a palette derived from pigments extracted from herbs and spices such as saffron, chili, cacao, and spinach Shiraz-gesso canvas
Artist: Horst Berger
Motto: 'Water to Wine with the help of the Sun'
Where Culinary Meets Canvas: A Symphony of Flavour and Form
This innovative series of mixed media paintings skilfully merges the culinary and visual arts. Horst is transforming the essence of food and wine into vibrant, textured canvases. This unique collection, fittingly titled "Where Culinary Meets Canvas," utilizes a palette derived from pigments extracted from herbs and spices such as saffron, chili, cacao, and spinach, along with red wine reduction and fermented grape skin. These natural ingredients are often stabilized with clear mod pod, water-based school glue, or gesso, ensuring the longevity and brilliance of each piece.
In "Photosynthesis: Water to Wine with the Help of the Sun," Horst explores the transformative power of nature. A Shiraz-gesso canvas serves as the foundation, with a lush background created from the chlorophyll of green wine leaves. The radiant sun is grated by using the golden hues of turmeric, while red wine and charred bottle corks crafting shadows and lines, adding depth and dimension.
Throughout the series, 'Water to Wine with the Help of the Sun' Horst's innovative use of coffee, tea, and soy sauce enhances the texture and richness of the backgrounds, creating a sense of depth that invites viewers to explore the layers of each painting. The omnipresence of food and wine in this series not only highlights their visual beauty but also celebrates their food-cultural significance and sensory impact in these paintings.
"Where Culinary Meets Canvas" is a testament to Horst's creative vision, where each painting is a sensory journey, blending flavours and forms to create a harmonious and captivating experience.
Crafting Art with Wine and Fire
Medium: Wine, bottle cork, wine reductions, fermented grape skin
Crafting Art with Wine and Fire
In "Crafting Art with Wine and Fire," Horst Berger elevates the humble components of wine and cork into a captivating mixed media series. This collection showcases the artist's innovative mastery in utilizing a variety of wines and wine reductions, demonstrating how the strength and concentration of red wine can produce an exquisite spectrum of tones. Deep reds and purples emerge from some reductions, while others yield rich browns, amber, and ochre hues.
Berger's creative process involves more than just painting; it incorporates everyday kitchen and household utensils. By spraying red wine over these objects placed on the canvas, he captures their shapes in 2 dimensional objects. This approach, combined with the use of burned cork, adds texture and depth, infusing each piece with personality and character.
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| Color from above...acrylic on shiraz-canvas |
"Wine Tonight _ Hope Tomorrow"
...captures a moment of peaceful reflection. Illuminated by soft candlelight, a wine bottle and glass sit beside a bouquet of hopeful flowers on a white tablecloth, decorated with mystical berry branches. This still life is set on a Shiraz-soaked canvas as background. This produces warmth and optimism, inviting viewers to find comfort in the present and hope for tomorrow. The harmonious composition triggers a tranquil, meditative ambiance.
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This glass is half full; -and going...mixed media on Shiraz-gesso canvas, piping back is used to shape wine bottle and wine glass, - wine leaves drenched in mod pod, vine brunches painted with charred bottle cork. the XY on the bottle triggers the discussion whether wine is feminine or masculine? |
In this captivating artwork the piano keyboard gradually
smudges into the wind, symbolizing the fleeting nature of sound. At the centre
the wine glass stands as a transformative portal, turning music notes into
vibrant, disappearing fragments.
Is wine better with music or music better with wine? If
you're left-brained, you might see music being absorbed by wine, transitioning
into a land of fantasy. If you're right-brained, you might see the wine clarifying
the music, providing a deeper understanding of life's frequencies. Here, music
immerses with wine, channelling into harmony and clarity, playing between sound
and sensation.
1 Painting with herbs and spices
Herbs and spices are
sometimes steamed to release the colour,- than mixed with school glue or clear
acrylic medium.
2 Painting
with herbs and spices adding acrylic paint
Some of my paintings are made with acrylic paint background
and spice blends. Acrylic paint is often used
to create an abstract background,
and spices than brushed or
'powdered" on top op fresh paint.
This paintings are completely dried and than sealed with a clear sealant.
Some paintings are framed with timber from a French wine
barrel
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Autumn colours of mataro vine leaves on redwine stained canvas
3 Painting
with only wine and charred bottle cork
Painting with just red wine and chard cork has been a real challenge. However I like this method for the simplicity. I can now control the intensity for the 'Bordeaux red' of the wine by reducing a variety of wine and grape skin to different depth and tones of red. The cork is cut in different sizes to create fine or bold lines. Some cork is burned completely and crashed with mortar and pestle to a fine dust; than mixed or powdered directly on glue or acrylic medium.
**Exhibition Description: "Black Forest with Red Wine"**
Immerse yourself in the haunting beauty of "Black Forest with Red Wine," a unique masterpiece created using only red wine and charred bottle cork.
This striking artwork reveals a deep 'black forest', shadowed by a distant mountain range, with a mystic pathway leading to a isolated valley. Painted on a Shiraz-drenched canvas, the organic and peaceful sky adds to the ghostly atmosphere. The piece embodies the motto "Finding Your Way," inviting viewers to explore their own journeys through its evocative and mysterious landscape. This innovative work challenges traditional mediums, blending simplicity with profound depth.
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4 Mixes
medium paintings
Here I am using
spices, dried leaves and sawdust, grape skin and other food and wine related
elements.
This is the most creative and challenging method to create
spice and winefood art projects.
The wine leafs are compressed and 'marinated' in acrylic medium
first than dried and pressed before using them on canvas. Sawdust from French
oak barrels is finely sifted and the colour intensified with red wine
reduction. The grape skin powder is made secretly with the help of fermentation
and "flies". The fermented grape skin is placed on timber boards in
the garden, flies eating the remaining flesh and juices. Than the remaining
skin is dehydrated and turned into a powder.
I have also painted on old baking trays, kitchen towels and
aluminium foil. soy sauce, baking powder and corn starch are also used to
create some background notes on some of the paintings.
Moonlit Dance: A Study in Lunar Influence
In "Moonlit Dance," a green wine leaf sits prominently at the center, illuminated by sunlight symbolizing the vital process of photosynthesis. This scene beautifully demonstrates the impact of the moon cycle on grape growing. The moon, painted in an abstract Shiraz red, contrasts vividly against the night sky, rendered in deep, charred bottle cork tones. This creates a striking backdrop, emphasizing the nocturnal influences on viticulture.
A grapevine branch, with an almost human-like form, dances humorously in the foreground, adding a playful touch to the composition. This figure represents the dynamic and vibrant growth encouraged by the moon's phases. During the full and new moon phases, gravitational pull enhances sap flow, promoting vigorous growth. The waxing moon fosters above-ground growth and flowering, while the waning moon supports root development.
Shiraz-gesso and baking utensils, spray and lines with red wine and reductions
Party balloons & Wine time: Shiraz-gesso on tea towel Shiraz reducktion and sawdust froma French oak wine barrel, top framed with timber from a wine barrel
The first 2 pictures from the series " wine time" mixed media,- shiraz-stained canvas, wine reductions, mataro leaves, dried time herbs and acrylic.
"SALT" ...on shiraz canvas, turmeric, Italian herbs, chilli, nutmeg
The artwork, "Bouquet of Chardonnay with Saffron," captures the essence of blending nature and technique. Saffron's rich color is extracted using Chardonnay's alcohol and acidity, then swirled onto the canvas like wine in a glass. This fusion creates a vibrant and dynamic visual experience, celebrating both elements.
...goes well with Seafood!😋
Saffron
Gold and Chardonnay
Saffron rains from the sky, descending in a background cloud
painted in gold colors. The canvas is partly stained with hues extracted from
Saffron using the alcohol and acidity from Chardonnay Both saffron and
Chardonnay can display a gold-like yellow hue; saffron passes on a deep gold
color, while Chardonnay, especially oak-aged, sparkle similarly. Saffron, among
the world's most expensive spices, and Chardonnay, highly valued in fine wine
circles, share a luxurious essence. Saffron's unique, aromatic flavor and
Chardonnay's complex profile, often with fruit and oak notes, are mirrored in
the painting. "Bouquet of Chardonnay with Saffron" encapsulates the
elegance and refinement of these two cultural icons, merging their rich
histories and sensory appeal.
Fermented Merlot and Grape Skin
This artwork symbolizes the elegance and characteristics of
Merlot wine. The flesh of Merlot grapes, clear with a yellow hue, is presented
through yellow-green swirls, representing the blending process in wine. The
uniqueness of this piece lies in the fine dusting with powder made from Merlot
grape skin. This grape skin powder was a chance discovery by Horst, the chef.
One day, Horst found a small pile of crushed grapes left behind by a harvester
machine. The pile had started self-fermentation, attracting little flies that
consumed all the flesh and juice, leaving behind only dried skin. Horst
dehydrated the skin completely and ground it into a fine dark red powder. This
powder is used to extract some of the purple pigments that stain the canvas and
is also finely dusted on top of this composition of fermented Merlot.
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