California, a state synonymous with innovation and discovery, holds a unique place in the culinary world. Just as the Gold Rush spurred a wave of exploration and creation, the California food scene is constantly evolving, built upon a rich history of Food Craft. Reflecting on the spirit of “Eureka!” – the state motto – we must ask, After Eureka, What? What sustains and deepens the craft behind California’s celebrated food culture?
This question echoes from the world of art and craft, as seen in the thesis exhibition After Eureka, What? by artist KM. Inspired by Garden City Pottery, a local ceramics manufacturer from San Jose, KM’s work delves into the layers of history and craft embedded in California. This pottery, like much of early 20th-century California craft, emphasized bright, single-colored pieces, a style that later influenced iconic designs like Fiesta dinnerware. Discovering a bright orange pitcher from Garden City Pottery became a pivotal moment for KM, a tangible link to her hometown’s craft heritage. This rediscovery mirrors the way we might unearth a forgotten recipe, a traditional cooking technique, or a local ingredient that connects us to the roots of our food culture.
The story of Garden City Pottery, which shifted from pottery to pipes before closing, reflects the transient nature of industries and crafts in a state driven by constant reinvention. California’s history is punctuated by “Eureka!” moments – gold, railroads, agriculture, aerospace, and tech booms. Each wave of prosperity is built upon both discovery and displacement, a concept Wallace Stegner explored in his 1982 essay, questioning “after prosperity, what?”. In the context of food craft, we can interpret this as: after each culinary trend, each new food craze, what lasting traditions and skills remain? What are we preserving and cultivating beyond the fleeting excitement of the next “big thing”?
The “Eureka!” cry, originating from Archimedes’ discovery, symbolizes the thrill of finding something new. Yet, in California’s rapid culinary evolution, we must consider the displacement inherent in this constant pursuit of the new. Are we losing valuable food traditions, local producers, or sustainable practices in the rush towards the next culinary frontier? Exploring California’s food craft means looking beyond the surface of innovation to understand the deeper history, the skilled hands, and the cultural narratives that shape what we eat. It requires us to ask: After the initial excitement of a new food trend, what are we truly building upon? What enduring food culture are we crafting for the future?
Looking ahead, KM, post-graduation, is continuing to explore California Modernist design and mid-century craft objects. This mirrors the ongoing exploration within California’s food scene. There’s a growing interest in rediscovering and reinterpreting mid-century culinary trends, from classic cocktails to retro desserts, giving them a contemporary craft twist. Just as KM is engaging with her artistic practice, applying for shows, and seeking community in Philadelphia, those passionate about food craft are actively shaping the future of food. They are experimenting with new techniques, sourcing local ingredients, building community around food, and ensuring that the craft of food in California continues to evolve with intention and depth.
The question “After Eureka, What?” prompts us to consider the long-term vision for California’s food craft. It encourages a move beyond fleeting trends to cultivate a sustainable, meaningful, and deeply rooted food culture that honors its past while embracing mindful innovation. It’s about ensuring that the “craft” in food – the skill, the passion, and the heritage – remains at the heart of California’s culinary identity, long after the initial “Eureka!” moment fades.
