Prairie Stuart-Wolff had been dividing her time between Japan and the United States, and trying to think of a way to unify the two separate experiences. At the same time, she had been learning how to cook from her Japanese mother-in-law, fascinated by the traditions and ingredients. Two years ago, Prairie Stuart-Wolff woke in the middle of the night to an idea that bridged her cultural divide. Her midnight inspiration was to use her lyrical non-fiction and photography training to tell the story of food in its cultural context. This story would come from her unique perspective as someone who migrates between two countries.
Stuart-Wolff is the most recent Artist Initiative grant recipient. She will document traditional Japanese cuisine, or “washoku,” through photos and essays. Her project, titled Cultivated Days, will “investigate, document, and celebrate washoku,” she explains. It has long been considered “one of the most aesthetically pleasing, palate engaging, and healthy food traditions in the world.”
Drawing inspiration from a particular personality and work-ethic, Stuart-Wolff is influenced by those “who are passionate about their work, are creative in approach, and take great care in the execution of their vision. Those who can balance pursuing personal goals while serving a greater purpose inspire me to no end.” The chefs, restaurant owners, fishermen, and farmers dedicating their livelihood to preserving ancient practices of Japanese cuisine certainly fall into that category, creating almost endless inspiration for her project.
Cultivated Days will engage on multiple levels. Starting with beautiful and intimate photos of food, tools, and practices, Stuart-Wolff’s project will pull the viewer in deeper with her writing. Her essays will provide context and a human connection to her imagery. Taking engagement even further, she will seek to replicate the recipes and practices in her own cooking, inviting others to do the same. Cultivated Days encourages the viewer and reader to partake in celebrating and sustaining washoku. Follow along with Stuart-Wolff’s project on her VSCO.
Words by Sarah Goerzen
Images by Prairie Stuart-Wolff
