In conversation with food stylist Sian Redgrave on mindfulness in and out of the kitchen
In the world of Sian Redgrave, culinary brilliance becomes an art form, as she seamlessly weaves taste with aesthetics. From a childhood that celebrated the joy of food, to a revelation sparked by winning The Great Australian Bake Off, her path is a testament to the connection between creativity and cuisine.
Her mindful approach extends beyond the kitchen, with a commitment to introspection, and the ongoing challenge of navigating perfectionism. She has developed rituals and habits that contribute to her overall well-being from nourishing meals and meditation, to the company of uplifting individuals and quiet time spent in nature.
Images by Henry Cousins and Daniel Civetta
How would you describe your personal philosophy on living well?
Living well for me is fairly simple. Following a passion, staying curious, expressing gratitude and being accountable.
What inspired you to pursue a career in the culinary arts, and how did you develop your skills as a cook and food stylist?
Throughout my childhood food had always been an integral part of my upbringing and joy. I wanted to be in the kitchen as soon as I could stand. Alongside food, there were always creative pursuits like drawing, painting, music and design. After school I went on to study design at The Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. The years spent there really taught me creative discipline, development, collaboration and exploration. It was a little further down the track when I won The Great Australian Bake Off that I realised my creativity could be channelled into food. Food is really a medium of expression for me now. I am constantly finding inspiration from a multitude of creative disciplines.
How do you incorporate mindfulness or presence into your lifestyle, both in and out of the kitchen?
I think it's integral for all of us to have a vision for our own future. Something to strive for, keep us accountable and encourage our evolution. Mindfulness then falls into this. I’m constantly reflecting: does this situation meet my values and contribute to the future I want for myself and others? What thoughts am I choosing to have on a daily basis? I believe it’s easier to be mindful when you have clarity of the type of person you want to be; it brings stillness and present introspection to daily life. In saying this, I struggle with perfectionism and the pressure I place upon myself. It requires daily action to release these restrictive thoughts and instead see progress as a long, fluid and never ending stream rather than in grand moments or milestones alone.
“I love walking around a gallery by myself, listening to music and just observing.
Sometimes I go to St Mary’s Cathedral and just sit in the silence and enjoy the beautiful light and paintings.”
- Sian Redgrave
Are there specific rituals or habits that you believe contribute to a sense of well-being?
Eating nourishing food, meditation, being in the presence of people who lift you up, spending time in nature, walking, listening to music, keeping your surroundings clean, therapy or speaking to someone you trust, treating yourself and others with kindness.
Do you have a favourite nourishing meal that you enjoy preparing for yourself at home?
I love making bone broth and stocks to have in the freezer. I use them to make tuscan soups like ribollita, nourishing dishes like dahl and congee, or simply enjoy them in a mug with tumeric, ginger and chilli to give me a quick boost.
How do you approach the creative process when styling food, and where do you draw inspiration?
Inspiration is abundant in nature and the ingredients I use to cook with. I find that the seasons dictate a lot of ideas for me. Architecture and design guide me immensely too. Principles found in brutalist and minimalist design are applicable to food as well as the form, colour and composition of many art movements. Food is so receptive to emotion; we all have nostalgic and emotive connections to what we eat. This inspires me deeply, creating and styling food which can impact people creatively and emotionally.
What are some personal passions that bring you joy and inspiration?
Music is a consistent friend, inspiration and source of joy in my life. There is rarely a moment when I am not listening to Soundcloud or Spotify. I love old fashioned cookbooks and discovering traditional methods and recipes. Visiting art galleries, drawing, painting, seeing live music, opera and theatre.
Have you read any books or watched any films that left a lasting impression on you?
This question could have me talking your ear off for hours, so I will try to keep it brief! Fellini’s films, especially 8½, mesmerised me from the moment I first saw them. Sorrentino’s The Great Beauty. Lost in Translation, Trainspotting, The Royal Tenenbaums, Spirited Away, Mulholland Drive, The Lobster, Talented Mr Ripley, I Am Love, Ble Velvet… I could go on. I have loved to read since I was little. Lord of the Rings really opened my mind as a kid and made me fall in love with books. I adore Murakami’s writing. Joe Dispenza’s Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself. Dante’s Inferno, Dostoevsky’s impactful perspective, Great Expectations, Lolita, Nora Ephron’s heartfelt and humorous work, and an absolute favourite is Oscar Wilde’s Dorian Gray.
Can you share a particular challenge you have overcome and a moment that stands out as a triumph in your journey so far (career or personal!)?
I was raised by my mother and aunt, Heather, who passed away very suddenly in 2014. The pain, devastation and heartbreak I felt in losing her was unprecedented. She had always been a role model to me, encouraged my creativity and kept me safe. After some time I realised I wanted to live a life that would make her proud and put into action everything she had instilled in me. A great deal of motivation and appreciation came to me from that time, which has made me resilient, driven, passionate and evolving.
Where is your favourite place to escape to when you need to take a breath?
I love walking around a gallery by myself, listening to music and just observing. Sometimes I go to St Mary’s Cathedral and just sit in the silence and enjoy the beautiful light and paintings. An infrared sauna is always a go to reset along with a swim in the ocean.
@sian_redgrave
Represented by @theartline___