Interview and Ideation

For our first prompt of the master’s program, we were tasked with meeting and getting to know a fellow classmate and making them a gift. I was partnered with Andrew.

Andrew and I had around a two-hour conversation, and we instantly connected. Our conversation started quite typical with general introductions, and interests but quickly became much deeper. Andrew first questioned me heavily on my real world and design interests, also asking why I am in this program and what I wanted out of it. Andrew was quick to find out about the recent loss of my Mother, and we dove down the discussion of grief. It was an emotional exploration to say the least, and I will never forget being given a big and genuine hug from someone I just met. This discussion of grief happened to bring up the topic of cannabis use, as I have used cannabis the past year to help cope and explore my grief and it just so happens Andrew is an experienced cannabis edible creator. He explained how seriously he takes it, and how much he enjoys challenging the norm of edibles. Instead of just a gummy or simple chocolate, Andrew instead wants to create robust culinary experiences that gently flow people through the THC experience by creating coursed meals, with gorgeous flavours. I left this conversation feeling excited about the upcoming journey through school in the next three years as well as in my personal life.

Being given only a week to complete this project, I immediately went to the drawing board for project ideas. I knew immediately I wanted to do something with a culinary focus. I played with the ideas of plates and cups, but quickly came to the realization of a cooking utensil. I began thinking of possible ideas, eventually landing on the idea of a wooden spoon. The wooden spoon is the cornerstone of the kitchen, only being behind the knife and the pan or pot. I was eager to create this spoon entirely by hand by cutting, carving and sanding. 

I am lucky to have a Great Grandma that has an old farm property on 0 avenue in surrey, that has a workshop. This property has been in my family for a long time, but as my great grandma nears 90 years old, and being well into her battle with Alzheimer’s the property has begun to become overgrown and, in some ways, abandoned. But knowing there is plenty of tools, materials, and space to work I decided to make one final project in this workshop.

Wooden Spoon Making

There were three attempts at making the wooden spoon, most of the failures boiled down to too much force or using the wrong tools. I was surprised at how long it took me to get a hang of the carving tools especially the hook knife. This was a classic case of something looking far more simple than it actually being. In the end I created a classic, simple but nevertheless fully functional wooden spoon, and after sealing it with a food safe sealer, I was able to give it to Andrew in class.

Final Version and Reflection

This gift is a symbol of a shared love for cooking, and in some ways showing the deep personal connection that we both had by attaching elements of this cherished family space that is soon to leave my family, into this handcrafted utensil.