CREATING works of art on a plate is what motivates aspiring chef Claire Van Der Merwe.
The 18-year-old Altona Meadows resident is one of 119 students showcasing works at Top Designs, an annual exhibition of Victoria’s emerging artists as part of the VCE ‘season of excellence’.
Ms Van Der Merwe carefully crafted six works as part of a folio for her food design and technology subject at Heathdale Christian College in Werribee last year.
She had to go through a selection process and made it into the top 20 in her category for the exhibition.
“Basically, my design brief was to create a menu for a restaurant that’s opening,” she says. “I wanted to use my creativity to make the food look arty on the plate. When I’m cooking I like to make things look good.”
Ms Van Der Merwe’s dishes were inspired by her memories of a wedding, her first love and a holiday at the beach.
Her beach dish was made using agnolotti with truffle and potato representing the rocks, while mushroom foam was water breaking on the beach and seafood created the sea.
She is now studying a certificate4 course in commercial cookery at William Angliss Institute in Melbourne and is looking for an apprenticeship to gain more kitchen experience.
“I love cooking and serving people my food. I’ve wanted to be a chef since I was nine.
“I love plating food and being creative and eating and putting that all on a plate. I’m passionate about it all.”
Ms Van Der Merwe wants to take that passion to another level after she finishes her qualifications.
Having learnt French last year at high school, she wants to live in France and learn the fine art of French cookery.
“That’s my dream, to go there and work and learn their techniques.”
With all that under her belt she hopes to come back to Melbourne and open her own restaurant.
VCE Season of Excellence 2012 – Top Designs at the Melbourne Museum, Nicholson Street, Carlton Gardens, is on until July 15.
