Who knew that pouring a cup of coffee is an art? While some would say that the experience of sipping different blends of coffee is indeed an artful experience, it’s considered an art form in itself by coffee enthusiasts. As we know, art is an expression of a person’s creativity. Coffee enthusiasts would argue that brewing coffee the right way is a manifestation of a person’s innate creativity; ergo, it’s an art form. But let’s not get into that so much as we would like to shed light on two of the more non-conventional emerging artforms.
Yes, we’re talking about coffee art, specifically latte art and coffee painting. These are emerging artforms that never fail to amaze people because they know they’re experiencing something novel but still highly creative. So let’s delve into these delicious expressions and find out more.
What’s latte art?
It all started when baristas began skillfully pouring milk foam over people’s favorite espressos and then deftly manipulating the foam and brown crema to create simple designs. Since then, latte art has evolved with the inclusion of chocolate sauce to add another dimension to the design.
There are two techniques that baristas use to provide their clients with latte art. These are free pour and etching, which produce a different sensory experience in each cup. Baristas who use the free pour technique pour milk directly from the jug into the coffee. Then, they use deft hand and wrist movements to alter the pour and create art. It takes a long time to master such a technique because a barista needs muscle control to maneuver the pour deftly.
Meanwhile, etching on coffee entails using a rod such as a toothpick to create images in the drink. Some baristas have mastered this skill so much that they could even make seemingly three-dimensional portraits. Now that’s pretty impressive.
What’s coffee painting?
On the other hand, coffee painting is known in art circles as arfe, which is an amalgamation of art and coffee. It entails using coffee as the primary medium in creating artworks. Different types of coffee, brewed at various temperatures, produce different hues. Savvy coffee artists then use this as their ink and start crafting their masterpieces.
Some people might discount coffee art as a fad. However, the converse is true as more and more artists are getting international recognition with coffee art. Chief among them are Steven Mikel, Hong Yi and Karen Eland, all of whom have been integrating new technology to ensure that their works stand the test of time. These artists have created a following with their innate creativity and exceptional techniques.
Can I do coffee art?
If you’re interested in exploring coffee art, several sites help people gain the necessary techniques. These sites also help coffee artists understand the medium and provide tips on how to improve their craft and interest. If you’re someone who loves to try something new and isn’t going to give up easily, then coffee art is for you.
Takeaways
Coffee art is an emerging art form that’s not only creative but can also be delicious. People will learn to appreciate the intricacies of coffee art with more exposure to a mainstream audience.
Photo Attribution:
1st and featured image from https://pixabay.com/photos/coffee-cup-cappuccino-latte-2608864/
2nd image from https://pixabay.com/photos/dog-portrait-coffee-painting-4006526/
