Stepping into Uwajimaya is more than just a grocery trip; it’s an artist’s date with culinary inspiration. Recalling Julia Cameron’s advice from The Artist’s Way, I find myself drawn to this vibrant Asian market, not just for groceries, but for the rich tapestry of sights, smells, and tastes that ignite my creative spirit, particularly when it comes to Food Drawing. My memories of living and traveling in Asia flood back as I wander through the aisles, each display a potential subject for my sketchbook.
The produce section is always my first stop, a veritable feast for the eyes. The sheer variety and impeccable quality of fresh fruits and vegetables are truly remarkable. It’s here, amidst the colorful piles of bok choy and glistening daikon radishes, that I often reach for my phone to capture photos. These images become the seeds for future food drawings, allowing me to recreate the market’s bounty on paper long after my visit. This week, the vibrant Chinese cabbage, bok choy, gai lan, you choy sum, and a particularly tempting daikon have inspired a mu shu pork dish, and I’m already envisioning them as subjects for my next sketch.
Beyond the artfully arranged produce, the market unfolds into aisles of culinary delights. The prepared meals section, brimming with fresh and frozen Japanese-style dishes, is a journey in itself. Each neatly packaged bento box and frozen gyoza evokes memories of shared meals and culinary adventures. I always seek out onigiri, those comforting rice balls wrapped in seaweed, instantly transporting me back to picnics in Japan. And then, a delightful surprise – paõ de queijo, Brazilian cheese bread rolls, nestled amongst the Asian fare. Discovering these reminds me of a Brazilian friend and adds an unexpected global touch to my market experience. These diverse food items are not just for eating; they’re also fantastic subjects for practicing different textures and forms in food drawing.
Moving through the bakery section, though small, is another nostalgic trip. Japanese bakeries hold a special place in my memory, filled with tempting pastries and breads. At Uwajimaya, the shoku-pan, a thick-sliced Japanese milk bread, occasionally catches my eye. While I often admire it, the frozen section further down the aisle truly captures my attention with its incredible array of Japanese, Chinese, and Korean dumplings. Stepping into this aisle hungry is a dangerous proposition for both my stomach and my artistic desires! The sheer variety of dumplings, from delicate gyoza to plump mandu, presents an endless source of inspiration. Gyoza are definitely on my food drawing wish list – their pleated edges and savory fillings just beg to be sketched.
The next aisle is dedicated to essential Asian ingredients, and here I find a rainbow of miso (soybean paste) for miso soup. The numerous varieties of miso offer a glimpse into the nuanced flavors of Japanese cuisine. My three years in Japan included visits to many food factories, yet I never witnessed the fascinating process of miso making. This section inspires thoughts of drawing not just the ingredient itself, but also the process and origins of these foods.
Further exploration leads to aisles stocked with ramen and canned drinks. The ramen selection is overwhelming, an instant noodle paradise with countless flavors and styles. Resisting temptation is a mini-challenge! Facing the ramen shelves is an equally intriguing collection of canned drinks – coffees, teas, milky concoctions, juices, and sodas. Discovering unusual and unique drinks has become a fun game, often leading to tasting sessions at home. These colorful cans and noodle packets, with their bold typography and vibrant packaging, are also excellent subjects for practicing still life food drawing compositions.
Uwajimaya is more than just a market; it’s a treasure trove of yummy goodness. It’s a place that rekindles memories of Japan, provides ingredients for delicious meals, and, most importantly for me, offers endless artistic inspiration. Leaving Uwajimaya, I always feel invigorated and happy. A simple shopping trip transforms into a journey around the world, all within my local market. Returning home, I’m not just ready to cook; I’m eager to translate my market experience into art.
Do you have a local spot that sparks your creativity? Perhaps it’s time to see your everyday grocery shopping through an artist’s eye and find inspiration for your own food drawings.
(P.S. On this trip, I successfully purchased the seasoning for mabo-dofu, my primary mission, but in classic absent-minded-artist fashion, I completely forgot the tofu! Another trip to Uwajimaya is definitely in order, and more drawing inspiration awaits!)
