Member Article

Creative food and sensory design artist opens doors on new studio space

An artist who creates creative food and sensory dining experiences for clients with curious appetites has opened a new meeting and eating space in Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter.

Artist Kaye Winwood, who mixes culinary creations and conceptual art for groups wanting to take in new tastes and sensory encounters, has launched Gulp in Grade II-listed premises in Spencer Street.

Kaye believes it is the first dedicated space of its kind in the UK to offer diners food and art on a plate, serving unique experiences around multisensory eating. Gulp gives clients exclusive use of a room seating up to 10 people, which can be used for corporate away days, private celebrations, filming and photoshoots.

Kaye moved her studio to the Jewellery Quarter to expand her offering, creating an exclusive meeting and eating space for “curious appetites with a desire for the extraordinary”.

Kaye explains: “Gulp will provide the first UK space dedicated to exploring food art histories and showcasing innovation within food and sensory design through a programme of activity including curated dining experiences, bespoke and commissioned multisensory activities, presenting prototype product designs, talks and workshops.

“Gulp is a unique space to present new ideas in creative food and sensory design, where dining and art collide to create exciting multisensory experiences.

“We all know food is so much more than an ingredient. It has provided artistic inspiration for centuries, from its depiction in still life painting to its appropriation by the Futurists as a multisensory art material in the 1930s.

“More recently, contemporary art has embraced gastronomy into the sector, while restaurants and chefs are increasingly creative in their aesthetic and conceptual approach to dining. It feels that the time is ripe to explore the blurring between gastronomy, science, art and design.”

Using food as an artistic material allows diners to consume their art while conjuring up sensory perceptions around colour, taste and texture.

As part of Gulp’s launch, Kaye wants to engage with a range of customers, all wanting something different from the usual art gallery tours or group dining events. Previous guests have commented on “such wonderful vision and ambition” in Kaye’s work.

She said: “My work is aimed at a mix of clientele, from business parties looking to enjoy unique gatherings to groups of friends wanting to celebrate with a one-off immersive experience. All my clients share curious appetites with a desire for the extraordinary, which creates something memorable and unique to their evening.” One client commented: “Beyond words, this was an experience that I will remember forever.”

A Research Associate at the University of Birmingham, and a Visiting Tutor to some of Birmingham’s Universities, Kaye has worked in the creative arts for more than 20 years, having completed a fine art degree at Bath College of Higher Education. She has worked on projects for the Ikon Gallery, Birmingham Hippodrome, the Library of Birmingham and as well as international festivals and expositions.

Over the last decade Kaye has produced one-off dining experiences, with Gulp now providing a dedicated space in which to continue her work.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Chris Leggett .