Fauxology: Studying the Visual Magic of Faux Finishing and Interior Design (brought to you by Garay Artisans)

I’ve noticed that artists usually dabble happily in other creative loves beyond what they do for a living.  The varied interests include music, enjoying the thrill of the dance, some (like my brother) pursue photography and others (like myself) love the art of written word.  One art form that I do appreciate but I cannot do well for the life of me is cooking & baking.  This is why I love watching the Food Network — as totally upside-down as that may be.  It makes me happy to see someone explain what they are doing, watch all the colors put together to make a pleasing presentation, hear them wax rhapsodic over this or that herb…and not feel pressured at all to do something about it.  (Which is what happens…just a teensy bit…if I’m watching the DIY Network or HGTV.  Sometimes it’s just not relaxing.)

One of my favorite artists when it comes to baking is Margaret Braun.  Her cakes are the very definition of visual magic.  She is slightly Tim Burton-tinged with a teaspoon of Lewis Carrol and a generous shake of Gaudi – which totally puts me on a happy high.  I can’t wait for the day I get to bite into one of her cakes, as much as I might flinch at the thought of destroying it!  Her creations burst with rich patterns and beautiful hues and the combination elevates cake decorating to an enriching experience.  (Check out her book: Cakewalk.)  Sometimes I even look at her creations and go “hmmm…that combination may work for So and So Client…”.  Here are some of the pics in her cake gallery — enjoy!

Here is Ms. Braun with one of her cakes (pic courtesy of SoBe Wine & Food Fest).  I wonder what other creative interests she may have…should be interesting, no?