Meet the Makers

Since 2011, Los Angeles-based photographer Roman Cho has photographed chefs, farmers, authors, activists, and other visionaries who are changing the food landscape. Throughout the month of June, 12 portraits from his Culinaria series will hang inside SHED.

From Alice Waters (Chez Panisse) to Sarah Weiner (Good Food Foundation), Cho has shot over 100 food leaders for the series. Over time, he has observed changes in public awareness and face recognition of his subjects.

“When I started six years ago, the people and the issues that we are talking about now were just starting to be documented. People who are not usually in the food world are now talking about… where food comes from. The issue is timely,” says Cho.

Cho plans to photograph 50 to 60 more individuals — including SHED co-owners Doug Lipton and Cindy Daniel and Single Thread co-owners Kyle and Katina Connaughton — before publishing the prints in a book. Rather than just displaying the name and profession of each subject, accompanying information will include first person essays, illustrations, and science lessons.

Along the way, Cho is documenting his process, including reaching out to potential subjects, negotiating a mutual date, and setting up the shoots on his blog.

Subjects on his wish list right now include Jonathan Gold (Los Angeles Times), Peggy Smith and Sue Conley (Cowgirl Creamery), and Thomas Keller (French Laundry).

Cho’s selection of the following 24 x 30” portraits have only previously been exhibited at the Good Food Mercantile at Fort Mason Center in San Francisco.

Will Allen, Growing Power
Robert Egger, DC Kitchen and LA Kitchen
Tia Harrison and Marissa Guggiana, Butcher’s Guild
Sandor Katz, Writer
Sam Mogannam and Anne Walker, Bi-Rite Family of Businesses
Nell Newman, Philanthropist
Michael Pollan, Writer
Iso Rabins, ForageSF
Sarah Weiner and Dominic Phillips, Good Food Foundation
Schmitt-Bates-Skupny Family, Philo Apple Farm
Alice Waters, Chez Panisse
Caleb Zigas, La Cocina

Shot in fall 2016, the portrait of the Schmitt-Bates-Skupny family was printed especially for this exhibition, as SHED Executive Chef Perry Hoffman is a relative. “It happened very naturally. I’m really happy about that image making it into the show,” says Cho.

From June 7 to July 11, Cho’s series will hang downstairs at SHED and hopefully spark conversation about who the leaders are in our food movement today, including those without instant face recognition.

“I wanted to show at SHED because it’s such a beautiful space and it is the hub of Healdsburg for a lot of people to gather,” says Cho.

Prints are available for purchase; please inquire for pricing.