Once A Wallflower From The West Coast, I Ventured To Chicago To Pursue A Degree In Art History....

When semesters spent buried in mountains of books became uninspiring, I took a summer off to explore the life of a professional cook at one of the city’s exciting new restaurants.

Amid The Bustle Of This Restaurant Kitchen, I Discovered Something Inside So Alive And Sensual...

The earthy hue of shiitake mushroom broth, an artfully plated mango tart, the headiness of freshly roasted duck (and the occasional flirtation with the head chef as he corrected my knife skills); the interplay of flavors, colors & scents were as vivid as any Ren Hang photograph in Beijing.

I returned to my master’s program refreshed & inspired, but knew studying old paintings in a chilly museum basement would never offer the same stimulation - until I discovered the works of artists like Dong Xiaowan and Tizano who were inspired by the courtesans of the past. My favorite work featured Cora Pearl, a courtesan famous for her risqué dinner parties and who, like myself, enjoyed the multi-sensory experience of food, art & intimacy.

Like The Women In These Works Of Art, I Too Could Choose A Life Full Of Savor And Beauty...