Anoek Lorjé about her love for food
My work as a food stylist suits me perfectly. My mother is a sculptor and my father worked as a cook, so you could say that creativity and love for food are in my genes, although I only found that out later. Little Anoek Lorjé hated food. I really didn’t eat anything. Only when I started to prepare my own food did I dare to taste it, and by experimenting a lot I started to enjoy it as well. Now I can’t live without it. I love food. Thank goodness, because working as a food stylist is a way of life. It’s all about food. It’s the first think I think about in the morning and the last thing I think about before bed.
“I didn’t know what food styling was
I never thought I’d become a food stylist. I didn’t even know what food styling was. Because of my fondness for cooking, I went to the Hotel School in Amsterdam. After that, I began teaching cooking classes myself, which I did for six years. I also gave cooking workshops and worked in catering. Eventually, a photographer friend introduced me to food styling. He said literally: “Anoek Lorjé, you can do this too!” That’s how I got into it.
When I tell people that I’m a food stylist, they often respond with something like: “Oh food styling! Isn’t that something with hairspray and whatnot?” It’s funny that that’s the image people have of food styling. Actually, I’ve never used hairspray, at least not in the kitchen.
Excited about eating
I’ve always enjoyed getting people excited about eating. That’s what I do now as a food stylist, on behalf of my clients. I make sure the product looks exactly the way the client thinks it should. I search all kinds of markets and shops, looking for the right ingredients. Sometimes, that can be a challenge, for example if I’m looking for seasonal ingredients for a summer dish in winter.
For me, the greatest challenge and the most enjoyment come from getting creative within the scope of the project. Within the set conditions I can play with the composition, the space, the taste and the appearance of the food. Together with the photographer and stylist, I build up an image from scratch. The background, the styling, the point of view of the product, the light and the atmosphere; everything is completely thought out and created on the spot. Someday, I hope to get full carte blanche. That would be fantastic!
A culinary signature
Working with me promises a beautifully plated culinary signature. Food styling is subject to trends and I always make sure that my work develops in line with today’s trends. I have my own individual – and therefore recognizable – style that I would describe as slightly casual and straight from the heart.
No life outside of the kitchen for Anoek Lorjé
My heart is inextricably linked to food. I spend a lot of time and attention on my dishes. At home as well, much to the benefit of my family. I also like it when food offers opportunities for social interaction. Friends are always welcome to join us. I enjoy going out of my way for them. I can’t imagine life outside of the kitchen. Even if I didn’t work as a food stylist, I would work with food. I think I would have a cookie factory with my daughter.
Please contact me and let’s discuss your project